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pasture thistle
Scientific Name: Cirsium pumilum
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Thistles: An Overview
Thistles, belonging to the genera Cirsium and Onopordum, are a diverse group of plants often found in pastures and other disturbed areas. They are known for their spiny nature and can be problematic in agricultural settings.
Considerations for Pets
- Several thistle species, such as Pasture Thistle (Cirsium discolor), have spiny leaves.
Considerations for Children
- Several thistle species, such as Pasture Thistle (Cirsium discolor), have spiny leaves.
Scientific and Common Names
- Scientific Name: Multiple species within the Cirsium and Onopordum genera, including Cirsium vulgare, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium discolor, and Cirsium pumilum.
- Common Names: Bull thistle, common thistle, spear thistle, creeping thistle, field thistle, pasture thistle, Canada thistle, musk thistle, Scotch thistle, Illyrian thistle, nodding thistle.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Asteraceae (Aster family or Composite family)
- Cirsium vulgare synonyms: Cirsium lanceolatum, Carduus lanceolatum, Cnicus lanceolatum.
- Cirsium pumilum Spreng.
Distribution and Habitat
- Many thistle species are widespread. For instance, bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is native to Europe and Asia but has been introduced throughout North America.
- Pasture thistle (Cirsium discolor) is native to North America, ranging from Maine to South Carolina and inland as far as Ohio.
- Thistles can be found in fields, roadsides, pastures, clearings, ditches, and unmanaged spaces.
- Californian thistle is common in New Zealand pastures.
Ecological Role
- Several thistle species are considered noxious weeds. For example, Cirsium vulgare is listed as a noxious weed in nine US states.
- Thistles can be aggressive and difficult to control, especially in pastures.
- They can reduce forage potential and outcompete native species.
- Creeping thistle is a serious perennial weed in agricultural land.
- Native thistles benefit many different pollinators.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Thistles often form a low rosette of spiny basal leaves initially.
- Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is a prickly biennial.
- Pasture thistle (Cirsium discolor) leaves have deeply divided, spiny leaves with white hairs on the underside.
- A single thistle plant can produce at least 4,000 seeds.
- Creeping thistle can quickly spread via underground roots.
Quirky Facts
- Gophers can unintentionally "farm" bull thistle.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Thistles are not palatable to livestock.
- Native thistles benefit many different pollinators.
Further Information
- Extension Weed Scientist Agronomy Dept., University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities (www.aces.edu).
- Toadshade Wildflower Farm in Frenchtown, NJ, specializes in native perennial plants like Cirsium discolor (Pasture Thistle).