Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Asteraceae

Genus:

Cirsium

Species:

Cirsium ochrocentrum

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Biennial | Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

3-4 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may, jun, jul, aug, sep

Bloom Colors:

White, Red, Pink, Purple

Native Range

United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Keystone Species Ranking

Bee Keystone:

★★☆☆☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to arid and semi-arid regions