About Cirsium scopulorum (Greene) Cockerell ex Daniels
Cirsium scopulorum (Greene) Cockerell ex Daniels, also referenced as the highly variable species Cirsium eatonii, is an erect herb. Some populations can reach up to 150 cm (60 inches, or 5 feet) in height. All of its foliage is more or less spiny. A single plant produces several flower heads, with flowers that range in color from pink to purple or yellow. This species grows at high elevations in habitats including grasslands, sagebrush steppes, and open savannahs. A number of varieties have been identified for this species, which are: Cirsium eatonii var. clokeyi, commonly called Clokey thistle, Spring Mountains thistle, or white-spine thistle. This variety is rare and uncommon, and it is found in Nevada. Cirsium eatonii var. eatonii is found in Nevada and Utah. Cirsium eatonii var. eriocephalum, commonly called alpine thistle or mountain thistle, is found in Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. Cirsium eatonii var. hesperium, commonly called tall mountain thistle, is found in Colorado. Cirsium eatonii var. murdockii, commonly called northern mountain thistle, is found in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. Cirsium eatonii var. peckii, commonly called ghost thistle or Steens Mountain thistle, is found in Nevada and Oregon. Cirsium eatonii var. viperinum, commonly called Snake Range thistle, is found in Nevada.
