Frosty Ball Thistle (Cirsium scopularum) is not the most attractive wildflower you will every come across, but it sure is common. It can grow up to 2 feet tall, but I have usually seen specimens around a one foot tall.
This plant prefers light sandy soil. I often see it along road sides where the soil has been disturbed.
Drink at altitude (never recommended) and you might just think this plant arrived from someplace farther away than Kansas!
4 comments:
Yes, I was thinking Star Trek alien.
EZ.. for a few days before they open up, they really are an odd spheroid 'frosty' ball. So unlike anything else in the landscape at altitude, they made me think of green alien pods about to develop into little Roswell-style ETs. ;)
they are found at altitudes above 11,500 feet in colorado from mid august untill the end of september, when I'm riding my motorcycle up there. I love living and riding in colorado!
Thanks for your comment Jeff.
Post a Comment