Canada Thistle

Common Name: Canada thistle
Scientific Name: Cirsium arvense
Origin: Europe

Description

Canada thistle is a perennial thistle that grows 1.5-5 ft. tall, and is distinguished from other thistles by its extensive lateral root system, dense clonal growth, and by having male and female flower heads on separate plants. Flowers are small and light purple (sometimes white) in color. Its pale green leaves are variable, but generally irregularly lobed with many spines along their edges, and are arranged alternately on the stem. The stem is often slightly hairy and ridged.

Habitat

Canada thistle grows in a wide range of wet to moist habitats, primarily in open areas such as pastures, prairies, wetlands, floodplains, roadsides and drainage ditches. It may also be found in open canopy woodlands and forests, and upland herbaceous communities.

Threat

Canada thistle displaces native vegetation, lowering plant and animal diversity. It also poses an economic threat to farmers and ranchers, reducing crop yields and pasture productivity.

Management

Canada thistle can respond differently to management activities, so it is often necessary to implement multiple control techniques and continuously monitor their impacts. Canada thistle spreads primarily by vegetative means, and secondarily by seed, which means that mowing may be an effective means of suppression, but will not likely result in eradication or containment of the infestation. Mowing may be paired with a chemical treatment (cut, spot spray) for effective control. Treat entire infestations to prevent future re-sprouting.

Regional Distribution

Widespread

WNY PRISM Priority

Tier 4 – Local Control

Invasive Species Priorities – Tier Chart

Pathways

Canada thistle was introduced via agricultural seed shipments. Canada thistle spreads through vegetative means and human transportation.

 

Canada thistle is a prohibited species in New York State – for more information on Prohibited and Regulated Species, visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/99141.html.