Hiding In Plain Sight: 'Funky' Thistle Species Found In Colorado

DENVER, CO — A new, "funky" species of plant was found in Colorado, and researchers said it was hiding in plain sight all along.

Many Colorado hikers might have heard of or come across the common mountaintop thistle, but researches say they identified a new species, nicknamed the "funky thistle" for its official name, Cirsium funkiae.

As first reported by The Colorado Sun, the plant can grow to about 3 feet tall. Prickly branches threaten to pierce would-be predators drawn to its yellow or brown heads of flowers. Should you happen to see one of the hardy plants, you may also see bumblebees nestling into their heads for warmth overnight, or pikas making off with a mouthful of scrumptious leaves.

"If you’ve seen the funky thistle, you’ll never forget it," Jennifer Ackerfield, head curator of Natural History Collections and associate director of biodiversity research at the Denver Botanic Gardens, told The Sun. "It stands out on the barren landscape above tree line, particularly when its wooly flowers bloom from late July to early August."

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Ackerfield told Patch in an email Friday that in order to preserve biodiversity, humans must understand what species are out there. Species that aren't properly described can misinform biodiversity estimates — and mislead efforts to prioritize protection efforts for local agencies and land managers, she said.

The funky thistle, for example, was misclassified as a mountain thistle, which is more common and widespread. Identifying new species is essential to providing accurate biodiversity estimates. That way, better management strategies can be implemented.

Ackerfield also said the new species highlights why thistle and weed education is important: to end the misconception that the "only good thistle is a dead thistle."

"The spread and destructive nature of the invasive weed, Canada thistle, has made thistles one of the most misunderstood groups of plants," she said. "Too many times, I’ve seen alpine thistles torn from the ground by 'do-gooders.' The funky thistle and many other thistles are native species and important components of the landscape, providing multiple benefits for pollinators and animals. They are not weeds at all, and should be left for all to enjoy."

Cirsium scopulorum, or mountain thistle, was long thought to be the only species of thistle occurring in the alpine tundra, according to the study, aptly titled, "Hiding in plain sight: Two new species of alpine thistles, Cirsium culebraensis and C. funkiae (Cardueae) from the southern Rocky Mountains (United States)."

Evidence shows there are actually five species of thistles in the alpine tundra of the southern Rocky Mountains. Two of these species are new to science: Cirsium culebraensis, with its pale pink branches and corolla, and C. funkiae.

The funky thistle was named in honor of Vicki Funk, senior curator of compositae at the Smithsonian Institution, who mentored Ackerfield.

"Although the correct common name is technically 'Funk’s thistle,' I like to think of this thistle as 'the funky thistle,'" the study said. "Cirsium funkiae, with its dense mass of woolly, nodding heads, is funky indeed."

Vicki Funk sang a special tune when collecting thistles because of sharp spines, the study said.

“Ooh Eeh Ooh Ah Aah Ting Tang Walla Walla Bing Bang,” she would sing.

Funk broke into song immediately after Ackerfield described her research. Ackerfield wrote she can think of no better way to commemorate Funk's memory than by "naming the funkiest of all new thistles, Cirsium funkiae, in her honor."

"I hope that anyone who ever collects this thistle for scientific research also sings Vicki’s little thistle song too," Ackerfield wrote.