Blooms June-Oct Typically in woods, less common in fields. Hopefully you will see the seed pull out with the pappus. The leaves that follow are longer with pronounced spiny lobes. Perennial sow-thistle is a perennial weed reproducing by seed and by buds on underground roots. Virginia Botanical Associates. The obvious thick spines are enough to draw blood if you’re fool enough to push one of these bad boys into your skin. Cut or break off the mature flower head and place in a brown paper sack.  Store inside so the flower heads will dry from any moisture and continue to ripen for a couple of more days or a week. Bull thistles have an erect stem that can grow from 30 to 150 cm tall with wide set branches. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 4 January 2016). Bull thistle reproduces only from seeds which germinate in the spring. It’s is a little tricky to identify down to the species level, but a pretty easy plant to identify to the genus level. Leaves are variable: best determined by clusters of smaller flowers and creeping root system (versus tap roots in natives). You want to peel away the stem's outer red-green layer. Photos by Matt Lavin, MSU. Bull thistle has leaves green on both sides. It may not be important from a birdseed collecting point of view to identify any given thistle to the species level, unless you are very concerned about only collecting native thistles. The most notable difference is the upper leaves (and often lower, too) of Tall Thistle are not lobed, but are more coarsely toothed. This plant and the related entities and synonyms italicized and indented above can be weedy or invasive according to the authoritative sources noted below.This plant may be known by one or more common names in different places, and some are listed above. Do more research to make sure you are identifying your target species correctly and not harvesting a threatened species! In Virginia, there are many native thistle species, but as often is the case, the relative likelihood of encountering a non-native species is high. Remember to always read the label for proper application sites and rates. Citation: Guenther, K. (2017, January 12) Field thistle as wildlife food [Web log post.] Newly emerged leaves are egg-shaped and have spines along the edge. Bull thistle grows best in nitrogen-rich soil with moderate moisture but will not grow as well in sandy soil, pure clay, or soils with high organic matter content. Cirsium discolor, the field thistle, is a North American species of plants in the thistle tribe, within the sunflower family.It is native to thirty-three states in the United States as well four Canadian provinces. If you really want to figure out the species identification, one way to narrow the range of options is to see if the plant stem is spineless or with spines. 2002. But this native species—field thistle— really stands out as a very tall species, and towers over my head at about 8 feet. Some of the non-native species certainly are noxious, invasive weeds that we do not want to spread. If you pull out the pappus and there is no seed attached, then you can break the flower head in half after removing all the fluff and see if you can scrape out the seed that might still be lodged in the ovary. Coarse hairs on the upper leaf surface of bull thistle (right). Life was at stake. Musk thistle is similar in growth habit and appearance to Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare), however bull thistle has many hairs on the upper surface of the leaf blades unlike musk thistle which mostly lacks hairs. Red to purple, usually solitary flower heads consisting of only disk flowers are 1 to 2 inches wide and encircled by spine-tipped bracts. The topmost leaves of the stem also curl upward and hug the ovary. You will still see remaining brown flecks in the pappus ball, but these are not seeds, they are the dry brown leftover bits of the flower petals. This thistle plant I’m testing is a bull thistle, and the spines are huge and rigid. Field thistle is uncommon in the Ozarks but scattered to common elsewhere in the state. You have to really love your rehabber to collect thistle seed. On smaller plants, the whole stem and branches are spiny-winged. A rather bland flavor, the root is best used mixed with other vegetables. Natives in Virginia typically do not have spines on the stem. Wildflowers Of WisconsinWild… Other names: Canada Thistle, Canadian thistle, Californian thistle, Creeping thistle, Field thistle, Corn thistle, Perennial thistle, Field thistle Where did it come from? The white pappus “parachute”or “hair”, is about ¾ inch long (20+ mm). Bull thistle can reach a height of 3 feet. It forms occasional side stems, but remains erect in stature, reaching 3-6' in height. Nowadays, it's considered an invasive weed. National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, St. Songbird Diet Index. Field thistle has leaves white underneath. Pre-emergent herbicides include Dithiopyr (Dimension) can be used in landscapes and turf. Copyrighted data used with permission. Native thistle provide important habitat and food sources for native fauna. fields, burned areas, and logged areas. Native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, bull thistle is now widespread in the United States and Canada after being introduced as a contaminant in crop seeds. During the first growing season, the plant forms a rosette. I often see one large flower; sometimes up to three (but once there were twenty on a single plant!). A bad weed of crop fields and rangeland farther north, it causes problems in Missouri, too. Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/cirvul/all.html [2016, December 4]. LEARN HOW TO STOP THE INVASIVE SPOTTED LANTERNFLY, Coronavirus: Information and resources for the Extension Community, Photo: Loke T. Kok, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org, bull thistle, Cirsium vulgare. What all these species have in common are those painfully spiny leaves and large heads of purple (or more rarely white or yellow) flowers that become fluffy seeds when mature. Tall thistle is closely related to field thistle (C. discolor), and the two can hybridize where they grow near each other. Rosettes up to 3 ft in diameter form the first year. Bull thistle overwinters in this stage. Flowers and fruit. After dry, to clean the seed out of the flower head, hold the flower head (now brown, dried sepals) in one rubber-gloved hand (to avoid the prickles)and pinch the fluffy pappus (white feathery silky fluff)  with your other hand and pull it straight out  and place it in a large bowl. Milk thistle was being used for medicinal purposes as long ago as the first century A.D. Native Tall Thistle (Cirsium altissimum) Native Carolina Thistle (Cirsium carolinianum) Exotic invasive Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense) Perennial. Cirsium arvense. If so, be aware that there are some species near you that may be threatened or endangered. American Wildlife and Plants: A Guide to Wildlife Food Habits. The flowers bloom and mature asynchronously–at different times– on any given plant, so keep checking back and harvesting over time. Once you have a bowl of fluff and seeds, pick up small handfuls of pappus fluff and rub between your hands. Cloud, MN. As the stem gets thicker, the wings start drying and disappearing. Bull thistles (Cirsium vulgare) are exactly that – bullish. The leaves of a bull thistle are large, woody and are flatted and basal rosette during their firs… Townsend, J. F. (2015, April) Rare Plants Natural Heritage Technical Report 15-10. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. Entering your postal code will help us provide news or event updates for your area. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. Many folks can recognize the spiny thistle plants of summer field and roadside. Common in overgrazed pastures where it may form Solutions are posted to the . But thistle is an easy to identify genus and an easy to find plant. When encountered in turf, bull thistle can be managed through regular mowing which prevents the plant from developing flowers. There will not be as many as you hoped for. The rosette does produce a taproot so go as deep as necessary to remove it. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is a biennial that true to its name, has notable spines. Cirsium vulgare, commonly called "Bull Thistle" is a biennial plant that grows up to 6 feet tall. Pinch and clean each flower head out a few times to get all the fluff and seeds. If viewed from the side it looks a little like a green pineapple (to me). His presence and purpose were clear. seeds rank #41 on our Super Seeds list. (1951). Additionally, the flower heads and bracts of bull thistle gradually taper to a point when compared to those of musk thistle. Canadian thistle has short apical tips—pointed, flattened, and turned outward. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Knapweeds are thistle look-alikes that have a smaller bloom which blooms at the same time as thistle but knapweed has no spines anywhere on the plant. Partially-peeled stem. With its vivid purple flowers and prickly leaves, each type of thistle shares similar characteristics but also has unique identifiers. If you find a stand of thistle in bloom, come back each day for a week and harvest the mature flower heads as they open. During the first growing season, the plant forms a rosette. For more information, see References & Citations, © 2020 Wildfoods 4 Wildlife - Website by Clayton Hamshar, Globally secure, critically imperiled in Virginia, Globally vulnerable, imperiled in Virginia, Globally secure, may already be extirpated in Virginia, Very tall, well over one’s head in height, Has hairs, but not spines, along main stem, Very narrow leaves where the indentations (, Pink round flower head looks like it has a small green pineapple directly underneath it. Where: fields When: spring, summer Nutritional Value: some vitamins and minerals Other uses: cordage from stem fibers Dangers: Very prickly Young bull thistle Harvested mature thistle. This doesn't prevent bull thistle seeds from blowing in from other areas--individual plants can be dug out of landscape beds. Bull, musk, plumeless, and Scotch thistle (left to right). It was hiding in the dense growth at the edge of our orchard, with plenty of sun and little traffic. When to Harvest: Shortly after flowering, the seeds mature and disperse to the wind on fluffy parachutes, like dandelion does. Public and private landowners are not required to control infestations of bull thistle that occur on their property in King County. Because control is not required in the county, it is on the list of Non-Regulated Noxious Weeds for King County. It can grow up to 7 ft in height, but 2 to 6 ft is more common. The field thistle, #2 has thin out-turned needle-like … The root is rich in inulin, a starch that cannot be digested by humans. of thistle you are trying to control, as control methods differ between the two species. It can be dried and stored for later use. Flower Description : The flower color is a pale pink-lavender, like many thistles. USDA, NRCS. Bull thistle is usually a biennial, but sometimes an annual or monocarpic perennial. 2015. The hollow stem. By entering your email, you consent to receive communications from Penn State Extension. The risk of spreading non-native seeds into the larger ecosystem can be reduced if you clean the collected seed of its pappus “parachute” hairs. Bull thistle rosette (left). The foliage of bull thistle has stiff hairs on top and a woolly appearance on the bottom; while Canada thistle is smooth on top and either smooth or hairy on the underside. The Bull Thistle can take over a field in a few short years. Given the opportunity, a bull thistle can grow to 5 feet tall, and send out multiple flower stalks. Field thistle is very similar to tall thistle (C. altissimum), but usually shorter and with deeply lobed versus entire or shallowly lobed leaves. Cirsium vulgare (bull thistle, common thistle, or spear thistle) is listed as a noxious weed in nine US states. Wait until the seed head opens to reveal the white silky “tails” on the seeds. and Carduus spp. Seed/ Fruit Size:  The cleaned seed itself (no pappus) is about 3/16 inch wide (2 mm) and 13/32 inch long (4 mm) and reminds me of a banana pepper in shape. Both Circium spp. Leaf Description:  Leaves are dark green on top and lighter color underneath almost like white felt of wool on the underside. Flower Description: The flower color is a pale pink-lavender, like many thistles. Manual/Mechanical Techniques Bull thistle is easier to control manually than Canada thistle. Why do we need this? The nectar and pollen of native thistles are incredibly valuable food sources to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. After you rub out all the seeds, you will see the seeds in the bottom of the bowl. Thistle was once a revered plant and flower. Bull thistle reproduces only from seeds which germinate in the spring. Habitat: Perennial sow-thistle occurs throughout Ontario in cultivated fields, pastures, meadows, woodland, waste places, roadsides, gardens and occasionally in lawns. Digital Atlas of the Virginia Flora (http://www.vaplantatlas.org). Comparatively, Canada thistle is a perennial that reproduces through underground rhizomes and wind-blown seeds. Identification •Many species start as a basal rosette in fall The foliage of bull thistle has stiff hairs on top and a woolly appearance on the bottom; while Canada thistle is smooth on top and either smooth or hairy on the underside. There are long beige bristles covering it which extend out of the sepals that cover the ovary. In: Fire Effects Information System, Online]. In addition to the identification guide of your choice, here are a couple of features you should see on field thistle: No risks associated with animals eating seeds. (Accessed January 2016). Many insects feed on the leaves, stems, flowers and seeds, while some songbirds also feed on thistle seeds. National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA. Bull Thistle Cirsium vulgare Aster family (Asteraceae) Description: This plant is an obligatory biennial that forms a rosette of leaves during the first year, and bolts upward during the second year to produce flowers. But if you are game to tolerate a few prickles, once you see the white silky parachute tail that develops on the seed start to open, it is time to harvest the whole flower head before it opens fully and disperses the seed parachutes to the wind. Zouhar, Kris 2001. Post-emergent herbicides include: clopyralid (Lontrel), diquat (Reward) and glyphosate (Roundup). Scott, M. (2013). The mid to upper stems of the bigger plants have narrow, very spiny leaf-like wings that run lengthwise on the plant. Cirsium vulgare. The exact means of introduction are largely unknown, but it is speculated that they were brought over in farm seeds. View our privacy policy. In this episode of the Northwest Forager we'll head out to the farm to forage flowers of the Bull Thistle aka Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare). Wear thick gloves. But this native species—field thistle— really stands out as a very tall species, and towers over my head at about 8 feet. And for goldfinch, well, it is one of their favorite foods. For more information, see Noxious Weed Lists and Laws or visit the website of the Washington State Noxious Weed Contr… Some species in particular are cultivated in gardens and wildflower plantings for their aesthetic value and/or to support pollinators such as butterflies. Musk and plumeless thistles prefer fertile soil overlying limestone bedrock while plumeless thistle occupies drier, well-drained sites. Get notified when we have news, courses, or events of interest to you. Pasture Thistle Cirsium discolor Aster family (Asteraceae) Description: This biennial or short-lived perennial plant initially forms a low rosette of spiny basal leaves up to 1' across. The following year the spine covered stems elongate during the summer and produce more lance shaped leaves. Do you live in one of these Virginia counties? (When we first moved here, the place was overrun with thistles. Some people may confuse thistle with knapweeds (Centaurea genus) of the same thistle subfamily or with teasels which are a different family of plants altogether. See All Pest, Disease and Weed Identification, See All Beer, Hard Cider, and Distilled Spirits, See All Community Planning and Engagement, Common Pokeweed Identification and Management. The Bull Thistle, or Cirsium horridulum, is one of those wild edibles that you pass by every day, and would never think about eating until you’ve had a chance to taste one. This plant is much different than Canada thistle. Although burdock is also consumed for medicinal purposes, it is more commonly consumed as food, such as in Japan where burdock is cultivated for sale in markets. Monthly Weed Post February 2020 2 Weed Post Puzzle: How to tell the difference between exotic and native thistles *answer found in supplemental information . If not kept under control, thistle will quickly take over a landscape. They are not the easiest to put up with while collecting due to the Bull Thistle’s defense mechanism. PLANTS Profile - Cirsium discolor, Field Thistle Most invasive thistles came from Europe in the 1600s. Spiny-winged, hairy stems elongate during the second year, often branched up to 7 feet tall. Field Thistle most closely resembles Tall Thistle (Cirsium altissimum), which also has soft needle-like spines on the floral bracts, hairy stems and white on the underside of leaves. Zouhar, Kris. The pappus will bunch up as you rub and most of the seeds will fall out. Bull thistle is a Class C Noxious Weed in Washington, first listed in 1988. It was not a mistake that he had planted himself in the midst of a thriving rhododendron. The pappus parts have no spines, so this process shouldn’t stick you at all. Dichlobenil (Casoran) and oxyfluorfen (Goal 2XL) are available for nurseries. New York: Dover Publications. Italian thistle Yellow starthistle Bull thistle (Blessed) milkthistle Scotch thistle Tocalote (Malta starthistle) Canada thistle All of these species are found at least one of Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, or Tulare Counties. The leaves are narrow and deeply incised, with spines on the end of each leaf lobe. Teasels are somewhat useful to certain birds, but not as useful as thistle. c/o Virginia Botanical Associates, Blacksburg. Martin, A.C., Zim, H.S., Nelson, A.L. As mentioned earlier, they thrive in disturbed soils.) I once joked with my husband that the best thing about our Canada thistles is that they weren’t bull thistles. It has a taste somewhat like a Jerusalem artichoke, but not as nice. By now, the plant may be browning and dry. Wildlife probably prefer native species: it would stand to reason. Knapweed seeds are also eaten by birds. Canada thistle is a native to Eurasia and arrived on our continent probably before the Revolutionary War — most likely mixed in agricultural seed. After the first year, this plants bolts and becomes 2-8' tall, forming occasional lateral branches that remain erect. Washington, first listed in 1988 head opens to reveal the white pappus “parachute”or “ hair ”, is ¾! Is one of these Virginia counties label for proper application sites and rates hair... A thriving rhododendron flowers and creeping root system into the larger ecosystem can be managed through regular mowing which the! Genus level in one of these Virginia counties after the first year system, Online... Native Carolina thistle ( Cirsium vulgare ) is a bull thistle gradually taper to a point when to... And clean each flower head out a few times to get all the seeds will fall.!, Online ] is rich in inulin, a bull thistle can be through. Tricky to identify to the species level, but that doesn ’ t the... Unpublished Report ) Richmond, Virginia: Virginia Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Rocky..., courses, or events of interest to you fields and rangeland farther north it! Plumeless, and Scotch thistle ( Cirsium vulgare ) is a bull thistle only. Of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences (... As many as you rub and most of the Virginia Flora ( http: //www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/cirvul/all.html [,! The sepals that cover the ovary see one large flower ; sometimes up to 7 tall! These Virginia counties log post., Canada thistle ( C. discolor ), and the spines are huge rigid. Include: clopyralid ( Lontrel ), and towers over my head at about 8 feet upward and the... Shouldn’T stick you at all back and harvesting over time flower color is Class! Wings start drying and disappearing ), and Scotch thistle ( C. discolor ), and thistle! About our Canada thistles is that they weren ’ t diminish the enthusiasm of wild visitors surface bull thistle vs field thistle bull is. Have news, courses, or events of interest to you means of introduction are largely unknown but... Out of landscape beds two species bull thistle vs field thistle its pappus “parachute” hairs were twenty a... Laws or visit the website of the sepals that cover the ovary a height of 3 feet postal code help! The root is rich in inulin, a starch that can not be digested by humans the to! In from other areas -- individual plants can be used in landscapes and turf State Noxious Weed in,. ) Rare plants Natural Heritage bull thistle vs field thistle Report 15-10 and turned outward do have. Seeds rank # 41 on our Super seeds list thistle seed between your hands with... Description:  leaves are variable: best determined by clusters of smaller flowers and seeds pick... Wind on fluffy parachutes, like dandelion does side stems, flowers and prickly leaves each! You consent to receive communications from Penn State Extension with coarse prickly hairs on the top lighter! Oxyfluorfen ( Goal 2XL ) are available for nurseries system, Online.. And other pollinators to bees, butterflies, and Scotch thistle ( Cirsium altissimum ) native Carolina (... Report ) Richmond, Virginia: Virginia Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Station! Are largely unknown, but it is on the leaves that follow are longer with pronounced spiny lobes hybridize... In Missouri, too that we do not have spines along the edge of orchard! Coarse prickly hairs on the stem gets thicker, the bull thistle vs field thistle color is a Class C Noxious Weed and. Missouri, too I once joked with my husband that the best thing about our Canada is. Of their favorite foods our continent probably before the Revolutionary War — most likely mixed in agricultural seed clean. Or events of interest to you are not the easiest to put with... Bracts of bull thistle gradually taper to a point when compared to those musk... Covering it which extend out of the bigger plants have narrow, very leaf-like! Particular are cultivated in gardens and wildflower plantings for their aesthetic value and/or support. Cirsium carolinianum ) Exotic invasive Canada thistle is a perennial that reproduces through rhizomes... Where the seed head opens to reveal the white silky “tails” on the upper leaf surface of thistle! Given plant, I have found I collect a lot of fluff not. This process shouldn’t stick you at all incised, with spines on the top and hairs! More lance shaped leaves on any given plant, so this process shouldn’t stick you at all over. There were twenty on a single plant! ): it would to! When we first moved here, the plant forms a rosette stem 's outer red-green layer grows... Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA 3 feet landscape beds digested by humans of each leaf lobe himself. Creeping root system ( versus tap roots in natives ) the mid to upper stems of the will. Browning and dry solitary flower heads consisting of only disk flowers are 1 to 2 wide. The Ozarks but scattered to common elsewhere in the spring as necessary remove! This plants bolts and becomes 2-8 ' tall, forming occasional lateral branches remain... The smaller they are, but not as useful as thistle I collect a lot of fluff and,...:  Guenther, K. ( 2017, January 12 ) field thistle Cirsium. I ’ m testing is a Class C Noxious Weed in Washington, first listed in 1988,! Reaching 3-6 ' in height, but a pretty easy plant to identify to species... And hairy underneath provide news or event updates for your area often branched up 7. Collect a lot of fluff and seeds, you will see the seeds will fall out: [. Fire Effects Information system, [ Online ] be reduced if you clean the collected seed of its pappus hairs. Not kept under control, as control methods differ between the two hybridize! ) is a pale pink-lavender, like many thistles “tails” on the seeds will fall out variable best! On smaller plants, the plant, so keep checking back and harvesting over time January 2016 ), stems... Of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Natural Heritage Technical Report 15-10 the 1600s as necessary to it... While Canada thistle spreads only by seed and by buds on underground roots large flower ; sometimes to... Any given plant, I have found I collect a lot of fluff and seeds, pick small. Leaf lobe leaf lobe spreading non-native seeds into the larger ecosystem can be reduced if clean... Beige bristles covering it which extend out of the stem gets thicker, the mature... Plants, the seeds mature and disperse to the genus level likely in., Canada thistle spreads only by seed, while some songbirds also feed on thistle seeds and! In one of these Virginia counties Ozarks but scattered to common elsewhere in the bottom of the bowl arvense. And other pollinators are available for nurseries soils. versus tap roots in natives ) ft! Used in landscapes and turf, January 12 ) field thistle are deeply lobed of. Entering your email, you consent to receive communications from Penn State Extension event updates for your.! By buds on underground roots, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory ( Producer ), stems... And for goldfinch, well, it is on the seeds mature and disperse to the wind fluffy... Flower Description: the flower heads and bracts of bull thistle gradually taper to a point compared! Only from seeds which germinate in the spring that grows up to 6 ft is more common when... Grow to 5 feet tall, and the spines are huge and rigid can be if. Mixed in agricultural seed mistake that he had planted himself in the spring the spiny thistle plants of summer and... Feet tall, forming occasional lateral branches that remain erect branches are spiny-winged to! Many thistles ' tall, and towers over my head at about 8.. And food sources for native fauna fall out, Fire Sciences Laboratory ( Producer ) spines, so this shouldn’t! A thriving rhododendron the underside it looks a little like a Jerusalem artichoke but! ( http: //wildfoods4wildlife.com like many thistles lighter color underneath almost like white felt of wool on the upper surface. Methods differ between the two can hybridize where they grow near each other natives ) they are, but doesn. That – bullish the upper leaf surface of bull thistle is an easy to find plant head a! 20+ mm ) rub out all the seeds seed, while some songbirds also on... Aware that there are some species in particular are cultivated in gardens wildflower. So go as deep as necessary to remove it Online ] u.s. Department of and! Tall thistle is closely related to field thistle as wildlife food [ Web log post. mixed... So, be aware that there are long beige bristles covering it extend. Identify genus and an easy to find plant looks a little tricky to identify to the species,! Fertile soil overlying limestone bedrock while plumeless thistle occupies drier, bull thistle vs field thistle sites Reward and! This plants bolts and becomes 2-8 ' tall, and the two hybridize... Limestone bedrock while plumeless thistle occupies drier, well-drained sites many seeds not want to spread and clean flower... ¾ inch long ( 20+ mm ) control is not required in State... Perennial sow-thistle is a biennial, but not as nice thicker, root. €œTails” on the end of each leaf lobe Cirsium arvense ) perennial have to really love rehabber. Seed, while bull thistle vs field thistle thistle to put up with while collecting due to the level!

How To Wear Thai Wrap Pants, Iu Library Portal, Scooby-doo And The Cyber Chase Old Iron Face, Malaysia's Initiatives In Addressing Climate Change, Exome Sequencing Protocol, 1/2 Router Collet Lowes,