SafePlants

Cirsium vulgare (Bull Thistle, Common Thistle, or Spear Thistle)

This page compiles information about several plants referenced within the provided text. Notably, it discusses Cirsium vulgare (Bull Thistle), alongside other thistles and related species, focusing on aspects relevant to home and garden considerations.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions "needle-like thorns" on Bull Thistle. These could pose a physical hazard to pets.
• The presence of thistle seed is mentioned, which, depending on the quantity ingested, could present a digestive concern.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions "needle-like thorns" on Bull Thistle. These could pose a physical hazard to children.
• The presence of thistle seed is mentioned, which, depending on the quantity ingested, could present a digestive concern.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Cirsium vulgare
• Common Names: Bull Thistle, Common Thistle, Spear Thistle

Other Thistles Mentioned:

• Cirsium andrewsii - Franciscan Thistle
• Cirsium araneans - Jeweled Thistle
• Cirsium arcuum - Powderpuff Thistle
• Cirsium clavatum - Fish Lake Thistle
  • Cirsium clavatum var. osterhoutii - Osterhout's Thistle, Jeweled Thistle
• Cirsium argillosum
• Cirsium aridum - Desert Thistle
• Cirsium arizonicum - Arizona Thistle
• Cirsium acarna - Soldier Thistle
• Cirsium acaule - Stemless Thistle, Dwarf Thistle

Related Species Mentioned:

• Carthamus oxyacantha - Wild Safflower / Jeweled Distaff Thistle
• Carthamus tinctorius - Safflower
• Carthamus polyacantha
• Carthamus oxyacantha subsp. oxyacantha

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Several species are mentioned within the genus Cirsium.
• Synonyms for Carthamus oxyacantha include Carthamus polyacantha and Carthamus oxyacantha subsp. oxyacantha.

Distribution and Habitat

• Cirsium araneans (Jeweled Thistle) is noted as "Not In Idaho."
• Carthamus oxyacantha (Jeweled Distaff Thistle) is found on Discover Life.
• The text mentions Fernandina Beach, Florida, but this is likely a business address rather than a habitat for thistles.

Ecological Role

• Cirsium vulgare is listed as a noxious weed.
• Carthamus oxyacantha (Wild Safflower / Jeweled Distaff Thistle) is also described as a noxious weed and is on the Federal Noxious Weed List.

Morphological Characteristics

• The text highlights the "needle-like thorns" of the Bull Thistle.
• Cirsium araneans is described as a forb/herb, meaning it is a non-woody plant that is not a grass.

Quirky Facts

• The Thistle is the emblem of Scotland.
• The Thistle Mantis, scientifically called Blepharopsis mendica, is also referenced.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions that the Jeweled Distaff Thistle (Carthamus oxyacantha) is related to dye or oilseed plants.
• The Thistle Mantis (Blepharopsis mendica) is mentioned, highlighting an interaction between the thistle plant (presumably as habitat) and an insect.

Further Information Sources

• ARKive is mentioned as a source for photos and facts about the Jeweled Distaff Thistle.
• Discover Life is referenced for information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Carthamus oxyacantha.
• Garden Guides is mentioned as a resource for plant information, identification, uses, and gardening tips related to the Jeweled Distaff Thistle (Oxyacanthus).