Cirsium scariosum var. coloradense , August 15, 2025
Common & scientific name
Elk thistle, Cirsium scariosum var. coloradense
Family
Sunflower, Asteraceae
Location
Ruby area, 12,500’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
This wonderfully-whacky thistle is uncommon on the Pass, but is always a treat to find. This flower is always stemless, whether the plant stands several feet tall or just 6” off the ground. Its leaves are light green. When it is in the form shown here, a flat, stemless rosette with whitish-purple flowers clustered in the center, it looks like a giant sunflower. Beautiful, no?