Family: Asteraceae
Author: Spreng.
Bibliography: Syst. Veg. 3: 375 (1826)
Year: 1826
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cirsium
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Pasture thistle, scientifically known as Cirsium pumilum, is a resilient and intriguing species that forms an integral part of the diverse flora of Southeastern Canada extending to North Carolina and the Eastern United States. First described in systematic literature in 1826 by Sprengel, this plant stands out within the vast family of Asteraceae, renowned for its ecological importance and unique characteristics.
Cirsium pumilum’s robust structure can be attributed to its adaptation to open pastures and meadows, where it thrives amid various grasses and other wildflowers. The plant displays a growth habit that is relatively low to the ground compared to other thistle species, which is reflected in its common name, “pasture thistle.” Its stems are typically less spiny than those of other thistles, making it slightly more approachable for curious observers.
The foliage of the pasture thistle is another feature of interest. The leaves, often lobed and adorned with soft spines, exhibit a deep green hue that complements the plant’s stunning flower heads. Blooming primarily in late summer to early fall, the flowers of Cirsium pumilum are a delicate shade of pink to purple, comprising numerous small florets arranged in dense clusters. These vibrant blooms not only add splashes of color to their natural habitat but also attract various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.
Ecologically, Cirsium pumilum serves a significant role in its habitat. It provides nectar and pollen for pollinators, while its seeds offer sustenance to local bird species. Additionally, the plant can improve soil conditions by helping to prevent erosion with its extensive root system, which stabilizes the ground.
Despite its benefits, the pasture thistle is sometimes considered a weed by farmers due to its ability to spread across pastures and compete with more desirable forage plants. However, its presence can also indicate the health of an ecosystem, as it often flourishes in well-balanced environments.
Understanding the attributes and roles of Cirsium pumilum in the ecosystem underscores the importance of plant diversity and conservation efforts. While the pasture thistle may be common in certain regions, it is a testament to the resilience and adaptive capabilities of plant species within the Asteraceae family. Appreciating such plants can lead to greater conservation and an enriched understanding of the natural world.
Common Names
Eng: pasture thistle
Fra: chardon nain
En: Pasture thistle
Fr: Chardon nain
Synonyms
Distribution
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jun 22, 2010 by EOL − G.A. Cooper @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Cooper, G.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 4, 2013 by EOL − Peter Gorman (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:195891-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3112698)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cirsium pumilum (Nutt.) Spreng.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
