Cirsium occidentale var. venustum

Venus thistle

Sunflower

Biannual with erect stems that can grow 10 feet tall
Flower usually red but sometimes white pink or purple
Found in disturbed places, grasslands and woodlands
Attractive to many native bees and butterflies
Found in Bay hills, Diablo, Hamilton and Altamont sections, also reported in Molate and Livermore sections