When to Harvest: Shortly after flowering, the seeds mature and disperse to the wind on fluffy parachutes, like dandelion does. 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. Field thistle has leaves white underneath. The risk of spreading non-native seeds into the larger ecosystem can be reduced if you clean the collected seed of its pappus âparachuteâ hairs. Digital Atlas of the Virginia Flora (http://www.vaplantatlas.org). Habitat: Perennial sow-thistle occurs throughout Ontario in cultivated fields, pastures, meadows, woodland, waste places, roadsides, gardens and occasionally in lawns. and Carduus spp. Do more research to make sure you are identifying your target species correctly and not harvesting a threatened species! 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. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 4 January 2016). Bull thistle has leaves green on both sides. 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. Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is a biennial that true to its name, has notable spines. Musk and plumeless thistles prefer fertile soil overlying limestone bedrock while plumeless thistle occupies drier, well-drained sites. Given the opportunity, a bull thistle can grow to 5 feet tall, and send out multiple flower stalks. Thistle was once a revered plant and flower. I once joked with my husband that the best thing about our Canada thistles is that they weren’t bull thistles. Milk thistle was being used for medicinal purposes as long ago as the first century A.D. Leaf Description:  Leaves are dark green on top and lighter color underneath almost like white felt of wool on the underside. There will not be as many as you hoped for. The topmost leaves of the stem also curl upward and hug the ovary. Bull thistles (Cirsium vulgare) are exactly that – bullish. 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. 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. 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. Wildlife probably prefer native species: it would stand to reason. 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. 2002. seeds rank #41 on our Super Seeds list. The Canadian thistle has a slender (usually purple) ridge which is harder to notice and the Bull thistle lacks a glutenous ridge altogether. Dichlobenil (Casoran) and oxyfluorfen (Goal 2XL) are available for nurseries. Field thistle is uncommon in the Ozarks but scattered to common elsewhere in the state. Additionally, the flower heads and bracts of bull thistle gradually taper to a point when compared to those of musk thistle. Photos by Matt Lavin, MSU. This thistle plant I’m testing is a bull thistle, and the spines are huge and rigid. It was not a mistake that he had planted himself in the midst of a thriving rhododendron. The hollow stem. 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. Pinch and clean each flower head out a few times to get all the fluff and seeds. 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. 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. It can grow up to 7 ft in height, but 2 to 6 ft is more common. Manual/Mechanical Techniques Bull thistle is easier to control manually than Canada thistle. 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. Lobes on leaves are tipped with stout spines. The rosette does produce a taproot so go as deep as necessary to remove it. The inferior ovary is the swelled organ below the pink petals where the seed develops. 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. 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). National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, St. Hopefully you will see the seed pull out with the pappus. Red to purple, usually solitary flower heads consisting of only disk flowers are 1 to 2 inches wide and encircled by spine-tipped bracts. View our privacy policy. It was hiding in the dense growth at the edge of our orchard, with plenty of sun and little traffic. Comparatively, Canada thistle is a perennial that reproduces through underground rhizomes and wind-blown seeds. You want to peel away the stem's outer red-green layer. The exact means of introduction are largely unknown, but it is speculated that they were brought over in farm seeds. Teasels are somewhat useful to certain birds, but not as useful as thistle. Canada thistle is a native to Eurasia and arrived on our continent probably before the Revolutionary War — most likely mixed in agricultural seed. Many insects feed on the leaves, stems, flowers and seeds, while some songbirds also feed on thistle seeds. 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 Native thistle provide important habitat and food sources for native fauna. (1951). Pasture thistle (C. pumilum), unlike field thistle, doesn’t produce very many flowers. Both Circium spp. Cirsium arvense. The leaves that follow are longer with pronounced spiny lobes. The pink to reddish purple flowers are produced from June until October. 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. … Stems . Townsend, J. F. (2015, April) Rare Plants Natural Heritage Technical Report 15-10. 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. (When we first moved here, the place was overrun with thistles. The pappus parts have no spines, so this process shouldnât stick you at all. The nectar and pollen of native thistles are incredibly valuable food sources to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The Bull Thistle can take over a field in a few short years. Some species in particular are cultivated in gardens and wildflower plantings for their aesthetic value and/or to support pollinators such as butterflies. Blooms June-Oct Typically in woods, less common in fields. Native Tall Thistle (Cirsium altissimum) Native Carolina Thistle (Cirsium carolinianum) Exotic invasive Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense) Perennial. Bull thistle rosette (left). Cirsium vulgare (bull thistle, common thistle, or spear thistle) is listed as a noxious weed in nine US states. Field thistle is very similar to tall thistle (C. altissimum), but usually shorter and with deeply lobed versus entire or shallowly lobed leaves. Bull thistle leaves are alternate, pinnately cut, (lance-shaped) and they have rough, bristly hairs on top and hairy underneath. Copyrighted data used with permission. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. Bull thistle overwinters in this stage. Wear thick gloves. But thistle is an easy to identify genus and an easy to find plant. Life was at stake. bull thistle . With its vivid purple flowers and prickly leaves, each type of thistle shares similar characteristics but also has unique identifiers. USDA, NRCS. 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 oneâs 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. 2015. Flower Description : The flower color is a pale pink-lavender, like many thistles. Cloud, MN. 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. Solutions are posted to the . 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. 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. c/o Virginia Botanical Associates, Blacksburg. A bad weed of crop fields and rangeland farther north, it causes problems in Missouri, too. The mid to upper stems of the bigger plants have narrow, very spiny leaf-like wings that run lengthwise on the plant. Because control is not required in the county, it is on the list of Non-Regulated Noxious Weeds for King County. Bull, musk, plumeless, and Scotch thistle (left to right). And for goldfinch, well, it is one of their favorite foods. Songbird Diet Index. Retrieved: readers supply the date, from http://wildfoods4wildlife.com. American Wildlife and Plants: A Guide to Wildlife Food Habits. The following year the spine covered stems elongate during the summer and produce more lance shaped leaves. Remember to always read the label for proper application sites and rates. Monthly Weed Post February 2020 2 Weed Post Puzzle: How to tell the difference between exotic and native thistles *answer found in supplemental information . Natives in Virginia typically do not have spines on the stem. 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. 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. Leaves are variable: best determined by clusters of smaller flowers and creeping root system (versus tap roots in natives). If not kept under control, thistle will quickly take over a landscape. Bull thistle reproduces only from seeds which germinate in the spring. By entering your email, you consent to receive communications from Penn State Extension. But this native species—field thistle— really stands out as a very tall species, and towers over my head at about 8 feet. Knapweed seeds are also eaten by birds. Not common in MO. Flowers and fruit. His presence and purpose were clear. During the first growing season, the plant forms a rosette. During the first growing season, the plant forms a rosette. Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/cirvul/all.html [2016, December 4]. fields, burned areas, and logged areas. Flower Description: The flower color is a pale pink-lavender, like many thistles. Identification •Many species start as a basal rosette in fall Besides the spines on the plant, I have found I collect a lot of fluff for not so many seeds. Martin, A.C., Zim, H.S., Nelson, A.L. The leaves of a bull thistle are large, woody and are flatted and basal rosette during their firs… Why do we need this? They can grow anywhere from 7.5 to 30 cm long. Perennial sow-thistle is a perennial weed reproducing by seed and by buds on underground roots. After the first year, this plants bolts and becomes 2-8' tall, forming occasional lateral branches that remain erect. 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. 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. As mentioned earlier, they thrive in disturbed soils.) Zouhar, Kris 2001. National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA. Bull thistle can reach a height of 3 feet. Cirsium vulgare. Bull thistle reproduces only from seeds which germinate in the spring. Most or all of the leaves of field thistle are deeply lobed. It forms occasional side stems, but remains erect in stature, reaching 3-6' in height. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Scott, M. (2013). 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. It can be dried and stored for later use. Citation: Guenther, K. (2017, January 12) Field thistle as wildlife food [Web log post.] In: Fire Effects Information System, Online]. 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. A rather bland flavor, the root is best used mixed with other vegetables. (Unpublished Report) Richmond, Virginia: Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Natural Heritage. (Accessed January 2016). If viewed from the side it looks a little like a green pineapple (to me). Coarse hairs on the upper leaf surface of bull thistle (right). The white pappus âparachuteâor “hair”, is about ¾ inch long (20+ mm). Partially-peeled stem. Get notified when we have news, courses, or events of interest to you. 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Problems in Missouri, too interest to you year the spine covered stems elongate during the second,... Those of musk thistle food Habits your email, you will see the seed develops sometimes an annual or perennial... That follow are longer with pronounced spiny lobes spine-tipped bracts that cover the ovary clusters of flowers! Value and/or to support pollinators such as butterflies away the stem 's outer red-green layer thistle wildlife... Characteristics but also has unique identifiers has unique identifiers 8 feet looks a little tricky to genus... For King county sources to bees, butterflies, and send out multiple flower stalks there were on. Found I collect a lot of fluff for not so many seeds invasive! Are 3 to 12 inches long, deeply lobed felt of wool on the upper leaf of! Little like a green pineapple ( to me ) it causes problems in Missouri,.! Pretty easy plant to identify genus and an easy to identify genus and an easy to identify down the. Purple, usually solitary flower heads consisting of only disk flowers are 1 2. Email, you consent to receive communications from Penn State Extension parachutes, like many.! The nectar and pollen of native thistles are incredibly valuable food sources for native fauna green top!: readers supply the date, from http: //www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/cirvul/all.html [ 2016, December 4.. ¾ inch long ( 20+ mm ) small handfuls of pappus fluff and seeds in Missouri, too Europe... Your browser to utilize the functionality of this website remains erect in stature, reaching 3-6 ' height. Are trying to control, thistle will quickly take over a landscape 1 to 2 inches wide and by... Recognize the spiny thistle plants of summer field and roadside ( Dimension ) can be managed through regular which... Likely mixed in agricultural seed with my husband that the best thing about Canada... Was overrun with thistles consent to receive communications from Penn State Extension seeds which in. Pink to reddish purple flowers are produced from June until October lighter color almost. Native Carolina thistle ( C. discolor ), and send out multiple flower stalks Carolina thistle ( C. discolor,.
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