Biological Name:
Cirsium spp. (Roadside-thistle)
Natural Habitat:
Roadside-thistle: Along roadsides, North America
Description:
Roadside-thistle is a tall spiny weed that grows along roadsides and in fields. It has large spiny leaves and purple or white flowers that grow in clusters at the top of the plant. It is difficult to control once established and can spread quickly if not kept in check.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is creeping thistle good for?
A: The root is tonic, diuretic, astringent, antiphlogistic and hepatic. It has been chewed as a remedy for toothache. A decoction of the roots has been used to treat worms in children. A paste of the roots, combined with an equal quantity of the root paste of Amaranthus spinosus, is used in the treatment of indigestion.
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Q: Why is the creeping thistle a problem?
A: The loss of native plants tends to disrupt animal habitats and limits food sources for grazing wildlife. Creeping thistle also produces chemicals that alter the pH levels in the soil, giving native species even more trouble. It can spread via seeds or can regrow from buried parts of the root.
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Q: Is creeping thistle a problem?
A: Creeping thistle can become a serious weed as it spreads using lateral roots which are brittle and readily re-shoot if broken. As these large plants compete for light, water and food you may want to control this plant in lawns and borders.
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Q: Is thistle poisonous to humans?
A: Health Risks: Entire plant is highly toxic to humans and livestock, causing vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory issues, and spasms.
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Q: Are thistle plants invasive?
A: Bull, musk, plumeless, and Scotch thistles are annual and biennial nonnative plants in the sunflower family that are considered invasive. Plumeless and Scotch thistles are listed as noxious weeds in both Arizona and New Mexico.
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Q: What does thistle do to the soil?
A: Thistles are notorious for draining nutrients from the soil around them, so they can be very damaging to pastures and crops. They also use large amounts of water, so they can make soil dry and increase erosion potential.
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Q: How fast does thistle spread?
A: Once the plant becomes established, roots are the most important means of propagation. Canada thistle has an extensive underground root system that may penetrate the soil to a depth of 10 feet or more and grow laterally 12 to 15 feet per year.
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Q: Why is bull thistle a problem?
A: Why is bull thistle a problem? Bull thistle outcompetes native plants and desir- able wildlife. It invades most disturbed habitats such as pastures, roadsides and ditch banks, and grows in dense thickets. Bull thistle is an economic threat by reducing hay quality.
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Q: Should I get rid of bull thistle?
A: These bur-like seeds cling to animals, pant legs, machinery, etc. and get spread around with abandon. For this reason, bull thistle removal is a priority among farmers and meticulous gardeners. Bull thistle starts life as a spiny leaved rosette.
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Q: What permanently kills thistles?
A: Among myriad available weed sprays, glyphosate proves to be effective on thistle. Apply to individual cut stems an inch or two above the soil line, taking careful aim of the weed sprayer to avoid contact with desirable plants. Reapplication in several weeks may be needed for well-established thistle.
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Q: Is bull thistle poisonous to humans?
A: Bull thistle is moderately toxic. Its seedlings are edible after cooking, but it contains oxalic acid, which can be toxic if eaten for a long time. Its flowers are gorgeous and its fruits are striking.
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Q: What animal eats bull thistle?
A: Also, goats and sheep have both been used for grazing management of bull thistle. Even horses will help by picking out many of the nectar-rish flowers and eating them before they go to seed.
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Q: What is bull thistle good for?
A: Beyond its use as a water source, thistle is well known for its ability to treat swelling of joints and tendons. I was pretty impressed by reading a paper by the American Herbalists Guild that describes its use for joint issues, such as rheumatoid arthritis, especially in children.
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Q: How do you get rid of bull thistles?
A: Glyphosate: Herbicides containing glyphosate can effectively control bull thistle. Glyphosate will also kill grasses that compete with bull thistle, so treatment with glyphosate should be combined with effective re-vegetation of the site to prevent seedlings from re- infesting the area.
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Q: Is creeping thistle invasive?
A: Distribution and Habitat Twenty large national parks across the country report it as a serious invasive plant affecting natural resources. It invades a variety of dry to moist open habitats including barrens, fields, glades, grasslands, pastures, stream banks, wet meadows, wet prairies, and open forests.
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Q: How do I stop thistle from coming back?
A: Plant prolifically. Thistle seedlings germinate in empty, unshaded soil. Pulling them may leave a portion of root behind, which will re-sprout in time. … Cover it. Mulch eliminates thistle seed germination and smothers new plants. … Snip smart. In lawns, snip small thistle at the soil level.
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Q: What is the best way to stop the spread of a thistle?
A: To keep thistles from establishing, minimize soil disturbance and cover bare soils with mulch. Because of their tough roots, thistles can be difficult to control. Thistle seedlings have bristles or spines on their leaves, so as soon as you notice a seedling, pull it out before the roots are well established.
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Q: Do thistles come back every year?
A: Thistle is an invasive biennial or perennial weed, meaning it grows every other year, or grows every year depending on the species and can form large infestations quickly.
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Q: Are thistle weeds good for anything?
A: Thistle is a very beneficial plant for pollinators. Bees, flies, beetles, and butterflies all like the nectar of the thistle flowers. We have these all over our yard here in Maine.
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Q: Why do farmers hate thistles?
A: Thistles have a really bad reputation among farmers and ranchers, and it’s not just because of this plant’s painful thorns. Several aggressive species of thistle imported from Eurasia are invading landscapes across America, causing a staggering $120 billion in damage to crops and natural areas each year.
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Q: What happens if you touch thistles?
A: Description: Perennial herb with bright blue flowers and small oval leaves. Health Risks: Entire plant covered in extremely sharp hairs that release an allergen when touched, causing pain, itching, and irritation. Baking soda could be a suggested remedy to symptoms.
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Q: Are thistles a problem?
A: Creeping thistle can become a serious weed as it spreads using lateral roots which are brittle and readily re-shoot if broken. As these large plants compete for light, water and food you may want to control this plant in lawns and borders.
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