Errors and corrections gratefully receivedCommon Name: Blue Sow-thistle
Family: Daisy - Asteraceae (Compositae)
Genus: Cicerbita
Species: alpinum
Date Taken: 07/07/2015
Altitude: 1830m
Area: Engadine
Walking Notes: Sils Maria, right bank of Fedacla for c. 1km. Then across the torrent to Petprier. Right bank of Ava da Fedoz to the crossing at c. 2000m. Descent alongside left bank to Ca d'Starnam to Lej da Segl and Maloja
Location: Taken on the path by the right bank of the Fedacla between Sils Maria and the bridge across the river
Flower Notes: 50-150cm tall; with milky sap; leaves pinnately divided, with large triangular segments; heads in narrow panicle, pedicels with glandular hairs, capitula 1.6-2.4cm across; all florets ligulate, blue-violet; pappus bristles rough, in a single row. Tall herb stands, forests; humid, nutrient-rich soils. 1300-2100m, flowering time 7-8. Rather common.