Everyone recognizes the thistles with their prickly leaves and stems,
and large flowers ranging in color from white to lavender, pink and
purple. Several species grow in the deserts, the New Mexico species
being widespread at elevations from 1,000 to 6,000 feet in Colorado and
Nevada south through New Mexico and Arizona to California, blossoming
from March to September. Navajo and Hopi Indians are reported to use
thistles medicinally. The nectar of some species is eagerly sought by
hummingbirds.
_Cirsium neomexicanum_ Sunflower Family
[Illustration: NEW MEXICO THISTLE]