Cirsium arizonicum, commonly known as Arizona thistle, is a perennial herb native to various habitats including mountain meadows, forest clearings, and riparian zones in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, specifically in Arizona, southeastern California, New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado, Utah, Sonora, and northwestern Chihuahua. It typically grows 1 to 4.9 feet tall and features spiny leaves and vibrant red, pink, or purple flowers that bloom from mid-spring to mid-fall, adding a splash of color to the landscape. The flowers are particularly showy and attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Arizona thistle is valued for its ornamental flowers and its ability to adapt to a range of mountainous environments. It is used in native plant gardens and restoration projects, especially in areas with similar elevation and climate conditions. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained soils; it is drought-tolerant once established. While it is not commonly used in traditional horticultural settings, its striking appearance and ecological benefits make it a suitable choice for naturalistic plantings. Gardeners should be aware that, like other thistles, it can be somewhat invasive and may require management to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0