Cirsium altissimum

My pictures are from Indiana, though it also occurs in the southwest. I've seen a number of thistles in New Mexico but haven't had a chance to key them out yet, so I'm not sure if I've seen this species here.

A pseudanthium in Morgan-Monroe State Forest north of Bloomington, IN, 8/30/03.

A pseudanthium in Morgan-Monroe State Forest, 8/30/03.

Adaxial view of a cauline leaf in Morgan-Monroe State Forest, 8/30/03.

Abaxial view of a cauline leaf in Morgan-Monroe State Forest, 8/30/03.