Joanna's thistle
Darrin Gobble iNaturalist photo; Darrin Gobble iNaturalist photo; Darrin Gobble iNaturalist photo; Darrin Gobble iNaturalist photo
Cirsium joannae
NatureServe conservation status
Global (G-rank): G1
State (S-rank): S1
Utah Wildlife Action Plan status
- SGCN
External links
General information
Cirsium joannae or Joanna’s thistle is a relatively recently described species as it was named after Joanna Welch in 2007 who collected and helped gather all the necessary information on this species. Joanna’s thistle is southwestern endemic to Utah mainly in Zion National Park and is found in hanging gardens and stream sides. The lavender-pink flowers can be spotted flowering late in the summer. If attempting to collect this species watch out for the sharp 2-12 spines on the leaves!
Description
Cirsium joannae or Joanna’s thistle is a perennial herb rising from a thicket caudex and taproot to 10-12 dm in height. Caudex with remanent blackish-brown leaf bases. Basal rosette of leaves 10-50 cm x 6-12 cm in size. Basal leaves oblong, with de
Phenology
Flowering late summer in August and September.
Diagnostic characteristics
Cirsium joannae is very similar and often co-occurs with C. calcareum and may even be a large-leafed variety of this species. However, it appears that the ascending, thickened, and campanulate spine bases are unique to this species. C. joannae also has shortly bearded connate anthers bases.
Species range
Joanna’s thistle is endemic to southwestern Utah in Zion National Park.
Map
Threats or limiting factors
Threats are unknown.
Taxonomy
No, this species does not have taxonomic discrepancies