Common Name: Macoun's Thistle

One of three varieties of C. edule.

var. macounii: Note mostly 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.)

east Central Cascades; Mt. Rainier; north and east Olympic Mountains
TRAIL: Bandera Mtn.; Wonderland Trail; Obstruction Point; Marmot Pass; Mt. Townsend
HABITAT: subalpine meadow; opening of montane forest near creek, near spring, creek, wet soil
ELEVATION: 1,280 m (4,205 ft); 1,575 meters (5,165 feet); 1,860 meters (6,095 feet); 1,705 meters (5,600 feet); 1,770 meters (5,815 feet)
BLOOM TIME: 09-JUL; 29-AUG; 03-AUG; 08-AUG; 08-SEP