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rough thistle
Scientific Name: Cirsium scabrum
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Prickly Sow-Thistle (Sonchus asper) and Rough Star-Thistle (Centaurea aspera)
This page provides information about two plants commonly referred to as "Rough Thistle": Prickly Sow-Thistle (Sonchus asper) and Rough Star-Thistle (Centaurea aspera). It's important to note that while they share a common name descriptor, they are distinct species belonging to different genera and families.
Considerations for Pets
- Both Prickly Sow-Thistle and Rough Star-Thistle have "prickly" or "rough bristly" surfaces, which could cause discomfort or injury to pets, especially if they try to ingest or play with the plants.
- Prickly Sow-Thistle is known as "Spiny Sow-Thistle" and "Sharp-Fringed Sow-Thistle," potentially posing a risk of scratches or punctures.
Considerations for Children
- Both Prickly Sow-Thistle and Rough Star-Thistle have "prickly" or "rough bristly" surfaces, which could cause discomfort or injury to children, especially if they try to handle the plants.
- Prickly Sow-Thistle is known as "Spiny Sow-Thistle" and "Sharp-Fringed Sow-Thistle," potentially posing a risk of scratches or punctures.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Prickly Sow-Thistle: Sonchus asper
- Family: Daisy family (Asteraceae)
- Rough Star-Thistle: Centaurea aspera
- Family: Daisy family (Asteraceae)
Common Names
- Prickly Sow-Thistle: Also known as Spiny Sow-Thistle, Spiny-Leaved Sow-Thistle, Sharp-Fringed Sow-Thistle, Rough Milk Thistle, Rough Sowthistle, Rough Sow-thistle.
- Rough Star-Thistle: Also known as Knapweed.
Distribution and Habitat
- Prickly Sow-Thistle: Native to Europe and naturalized in various regions. It grows in waste ground, brownfield sites, waste tips, by railway lines, roads, pathways, arable fields, gardens, and rough grassland.
- Rough Star-Thistle: Found in Europe and also reported in New York, United States.
Morphological Characteristics
- Prickly Sow-Thistle: Leaves are narrower and less deeply cut than Smooth Sow-Thistle. Has a prickly surface.
- Rough Star-Thistle: Has a rough surface.
Ecological Role
- Canada thistle, while not the primary focus, is mentioned as an invasive weed that poses a problem in minimally mowed areas. This highlights the potential ecological impact of thistles in general.