Classification Hierarchy
Kingdom Plantae
Subkingdom Tracheophyta
Superdivision Spermatophyta
Division Magnoliophyta
Class Magnoliopsida
Subclass Asteridae
Order Asterales
Family Asteraceae
Genus Cirsium
Species Cirsium canescens
prairie thistle

Date: XXXXXXXX 2010. Location: XXXXXXXXX(map)

BONAP, FNA, ITIS, USDA, VPI

Scientific Name: Cirsium canescens

Common Name: prairie thistle

Origin: Native

Notes: Each species in this genus is designated a "Primary Noxious Weed" by Iowa law. Habitat: disturbed places and shortgrass prairies, usually in sandy or gravely soils. Reported in NW Iowa—rare if present. Usually reported to the west of Iowa (see BONAP).

Additional references: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.

Field Marks for Identification:

Flowers: Purple, pink, white;

Leaves:XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Glossaries of botanical terms: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

prairie thistle-1 prairie thistle-2 prairie thistle-3 prairie thistle-4