kids encyclopedia robot

Flodman's thistle facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Flodman's thistle
Cirsium flodmanii drawing.png
1913 illustration
Scientific classification
Genus:
Cirsium
Species:
flodmanii
Synonyms
  • Carduus flodmanii Rydb.
  • Carduus oblanceolatus Rydb.
  • Cirsium flodmanii f. oblanceolatum (Rydb.) D.Löve & J.-P.Bernard
  • Cirsium nebraskense var. discissum Lunell
  • Cirsium oblanceolatum (Rydb.) K.Schum.

Cirsium flodmanii, often called prairie thistle or Flodman's thistle, is a fascinating plant. It is native to Canada and the northern United States. You can find it in many places, from Québec to Alberta in Canada. In the US, it grows in the northern Great Plains, the northern Rocky Mountains, and the western Great Lakes areas. It also appears in northern parts of Vermont, New York, and Washington.

Discovering Flodman's Thistle

Flodman's thistle is a type of plant known as a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years. It can grow quite tall, reaching up to 140 centimeters (about 55 inches). That's taller than many kids!

What Does It Look Like?

This thistle has long leaves, which can be up to 40 centimeters (about 16 inches) long. Along the edges of these leaves, you'll find many fine spines. These spines help protect the plant from animals that might want to eat it.

The flowers of Flodman's thistle are usually a beautiful purple color. Sometimes, you might even spot one with white flowers. These colorful blooms make the plant stand out in its natural home.

Where Does It Grow?

Flodman's thistle loves open spaces. It is commonly found in grasslands and pastures. These are areas with lots of grass and other low-growing plants. The plant thrives in these sunny environments across North America.

kids search engine
Flodman's thistle Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.