About Cirsium flodmanii (Rydb.) Arthur
Cirsium flodmanii, which has the scientific name Cirsium flodmanii (Rydb.) Arthur, has common names including prairie thistle, Flodman's thistle, and chardon de Flodman in French. It is a plant species native to Canada and the northern United States. In Canada, it has been recorded in every province from Québec to Alberta. In the United States, it occurs in the northern Great Plains, northern Rocky Mountains, and western Great Lakes regions, plus the northern parts of Vermont, New York, and Washington. Cirsium flodmanii is a perennial herb that can grow up to 140 cm (55 inches) tall. Its leaves reach up to 40 cm (16 inches) in length, and have many fine spines along their edges. Its flowers are most often purple, and are occasionally white. This plant typically grows in grasslands and pastures.
