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Description
Cirsium Eatonii Var. Eriocephalum, also known as Eaton’s Thistle, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to the western United States. This plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, with a basal rosette of leaves and numerous flower heads. The flower heads are purple-pink in color and shaped like a globe, with spiny bracts at the base. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer, attracting bees and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Cirsium |
Appearance
Cirsium Eatonii Var. Eriocephalum has a basal rosette of leaves that are deeply lobed and spiny, and can grow up to 1.5 feet long. The stem of the plant is also spiny and can be covered in hairy bristles. The flower heads are purple-pink in color and can grow up to 2 inches in diameter, with spiny bracts at the base. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and can attract bees and butterflies to the garden.
Care Guide
Cirsium Eatonii Var. Eriocephalum prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It can tolerate some shade, but may not bloom as well. This plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season, and should be fertilized once a year with a balanced fertilizer. It is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cirsium Eatonii Var. Eriocephalum is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to aphids and spider mites. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Cirsium Eatonii Var. Eriocephalum is native to the western United States, where it can be found in dry meadows, sagebrush hillsides, and rocky slopes. It can grow at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 9,000 feet.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the blooming period of Cirsium Eatonii Var. Eriocephalum?
A: This plant blooms from late spring to early summer.
Q: Does Cirsium Eatonii Var. Eriocephalum attract pollinators?
A: Yes, this plant can attract bees and butterflies.
Q: What is the ideal soil type for Cirsium Eatonii Var. Eriocephalum?
A: This plant prefers well-drained soil.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Cirsium Eatonii Var. Eriocephalum?
A: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Related Plants
- Cirsium arvense
- Cirsium discolor
- Cirsium horridulum
- Cirsium muticum
References
- “Cirsium eatonii var. eriocephalum.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed 15 June 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=CIEAE
- “Eaton’s Thistle.” Oregon Flora Project. Accessed 15 June 2021. https://oregonflora.org/species-view?id=3872
