Common names: Edible Thistle, Indian Thistle

ITIS and eFlora.org list three varieties. eFlora.org gives a good summary of the species and varieties.

var. edule; – edible thistle, Hall's thistle; multiple heads at top of stem with involucres (bracts) being slightly to densely hairy (arachnoid). leaves (Phyllary apices) flat to pointing up, small spines (1–5 mm). found in damp soils at edge of woods, conifer forest openings at lower elevations 0-900 m (0-3,000 ft.) coast ranges of OR and WA.

var. macounii; – Macoun's thistle; multiple heads at top of stem, involucres (bracts) are densely hairy (arachnoid). Leaves (Phyllary apices) long-acicular, widely spreading or flat, larger spines 5–15 mm). Found in damp soils of montane meadows, forest in the Olympics and North Cascades from low to high elevations 0-1900 m (0-6,200 ft.)

var. wenatchense; – Wenatchee thistle; Mostly single heads; peduncles 10–30 cm, Involucres (bracts) are moderately hairy. Leaves (Phyllary apices) are flat with larger spines (5-15 mm). Found only in the Wenatchee Mtn. area of east Central Cascades.

Note C. edule has a stout stem which generally tapers near the top. Leaves are lance shaped, lobed with spiny tips. Inflorescences are single to many which sometimes hand down when new. Found generally near water from low to high elevations.

C. brievistylum which can be very similar is found in damp soils at low elevations (absent in Central Cascades), has bract like spiny leaves at base of each head, leaves shallowly lobed.

west Central Cascades
TRAIL: Bandera Mtn; Wonderland Trail
HABITAT: meadow, wet open space
ELEVATION: 1,280 m (4,205 ft); 1,575 meters (5,165 feet)
BLOOM TIME: 09-JUL-2009; 29-AUG-2012