Surf Thistle
(Cirsium rhothophilum )
Asteraceae

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Description: Short-lived, bush-like perennial, 4 - 40 inches (1-10dm) tall, with densely matted, gray/white hairs. Leaves elliptical in outline, 3/8 - 1 1/8 inches (1-3dm) long, very strongly wavy, and smooth edged or widely lobed, with lobes either smooth, or slightly toothed. Inflorescence are 1 to several heads at ends of branches, with upper leaves closely around the heads. Fruit is an oblong, light brown to black achene, 1/4 inch (5-7mm) long

Distribution:

Habitat: Dunes, headlands. Elevation 9.6 - 192 feet.

Flowering Period: Blooms April - June.

Similar Plants:

Status: California State Threatened, California Native Plant Society List 1B