Family: Asteraceae
Author: Michx.
Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 89 (1803)
Year: 1803
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cirsium
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Canada to U.S.A.
Description
Dunce-nettle, scientifically known as Cirsium muticum, is a species belonging to the family Asteraceae. Described by the botanist Michx. and documented in the early botanical literature “Flora Boreali-Americana” in 1803, this plant is remarkable for its habitat spanning from Canada to the United States.
The Dunce-nettle showcases the typical characteristics of the thistle family, noted for its coarse, spiny texture and robust stature. It is predominantly found in moist meadows, marshlands, and along the edges of forests, thriving in regions where the soil remains consistently damp. The broad reach of this plant across North America is a testament to its adaptability to various climatic and soil conditions.
Botanically, Cirsium muticum presents with a striking appearance. The plant’s tall stems support a crown of purple to pink flower heads, which are enveloped in spiny bracts. These bracts are a distinguishing feature, offering both protection to the flower and aiding in the plant’s pollination strategy by discouraging herbivores. The foliage is equally defensive, with leaves that are deeply lobed and spiky, a common deterrent to grazing animals.
In addition to its botanical attributes, the Dunce-nettle plays an important role in the ecosystem. The flowers attract a diverse array of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are crucial for the reproductive cycle of many plants. Moreover, the seeds of Cirsium muticum are a food source for birds, particularly during the harsh winters when other food supplies are scarce.
While the Dunce-nettle might be seen as a weed in some contexts due to its aggressive growth patterns and spiny defenses, it is also appreciated in wildflower gardens and natural landscapes for its hardiness and the aesthetic quality of its blooms. Its presence indicates healthy, undisturbed soil and contributes to the biodiversity of its habitat.
In summary, Cirsium muticum or Dunce-nettle is a vivid member of the Asteraceae family with a wide distribution from Canada to the United States, illustrating both resilience and ecological importance. Whether admired for its rugged beauty or its role in supporting wildlife, this plant holds a valued place in North America’s botanical tapestry.
Common Names
Eng: dunce-nettle, horsetops, swamp thistle
Fra: chardon mutique, circe mutique
En: Dunce-nettle, Horsetops, Swamp thistle
Fr: Chardon mutique, Cirse mutique, Circe mutique
Synonyms
- Cnicus muticus (Elliott)
- Cnicus muticus var. alpicola (Britton & A.Br.)
- Carduus muticus var. subpinnatifidus (Britton)
- Carduus muticus (Pers.)
- Carduus muticus var. albiflorus (Farw.)
- Cirsium bigelowii (DC.)
- Cirsium muticum f. subpinnatifidum ((Britton) Fernald)
- Cirsium muticum var. monticola (Fernald)
- Cirsium muticum f. lactiflorum (Fernald)
- Cnicus muticus var. monticola (Fernald)
- Cirsium muticum var. subpinnatifidum (Fernald)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Labrador (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Prince Edward I. (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jul 4, 2021 by Adam Martin (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2022 by Raluca Integra Vâlve (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 7, 2019 by Riley L (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 27, 2022 by Elijah Jay (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2022 by Raluca Integra Vâlve (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Sep 7, 2019 by Riley L (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 7, 2019 by Riley L (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 27, 2022 by Elijah Jay (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2020 by stewie098 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 26, 2020 by Kassie Slotty (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 10, 2015 by EOL − Aarongunnar (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 18, 2010 by EOL − Emmet J. Judziewicz @University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 18, 2010 by EOL − Christopher Noll @ University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 2, 2014 by EOL − Robert L Curtis (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 14, 2021 by steven Levenberg (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 26, 2015 by EOL − Ben VanderWeide (cc-by-nc)
Bark
Taken Jul 27, 2022 by Elijah Jay (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 8, 2015 by EOL − botany08 (cc-by)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3113181)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:195721-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cirsium muticum Michx.)
