She and her husband are at their wits-end. Growing to 6 feet tall, its distinguishing features are silver or gray leaves. But its leaves are not as deeply lobed, the milky stripes are much more pronounced, and the plant grows much bigger and more robust. because insects and diseases keep them in check. Xerces Society: Native Thistles: A Conservation Practitioner's Guide, Texas Invasive Species Institute: Russian Thistle, Eat The Planet: Thistle, Nutritious and Beautiful on the Inside, Healthline: 7 Science-Based Benefits of Milk Thistle, California Invasive Plant Council: Plants A to Z, How to grow your own herb garden in any indoor or outdoor space. Most thistles have very similar inflorescences, so the best way to ID a thistle is to look for other clues. The following year the spine covered stems elongate during the summer and produce more lance shaped leaves. tsp of liquid dish soap. Milk thistle is widely promoted as a liver supplement. No, blessed thistle is not the same as milk thistle. Once considered a cure-all, the thistle was even recommended as a remedy for the plague. Weed control, management, ecology, and minutia, https://research.vet.upenn.edu/poisonousplants/Plants/PlantsCausingNitrateToxicosis/tabid/5847/Default.aspx. Blessed thistle is used to stimulate breast milk production, gastric acids, and saliva. Photo: Loke T. Kok, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org, bull thistle, Cirsium vulgare. Bull thistle has large, upright flowers with spine-tipped bracts below the petals. However, there is limited research that supports that it actually stimulates lactation. Laura Goodman, Tom Royer, Alex Rocateli. In ancient history the thistle represented part of the primeval curse on the earth in general, and on man in particular. Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense, zones 4-7) is also difficult to control and can quickly infect gardens and fields. The entire plant is covered in thick bristly spine-like prickles and can be 2-5 feet. This plant often grows as a biennial. Plant-feeding insects are commonly found on bull thistle, Blessed thistle contains a chemical compound called cnicin. Use about 1 tablespoon of milk thistle seed powder per cup of tea. Another name for blessed thistle is holy thistle. It received both names from Benedictine monks in the fourteenth century. Milk thistle and silymarin are generally well tolerated in adults with only mild side effects such as diarrhea, headache, and skin reactions. counties. You may have heard of the perils of invasive thistle, but did you know that there are many native counterparts? thistle is a spiny annual growing to 3 1/2 feet tall. GoBotany also offers an interactive online key forCirsium. The flowers are bright purple or magenta. It is a perennial that spreads by underground stems or rhizomes. It can grow to 6 feet tall and blooms June-July. Isolated infestations occasionally occur, but severe infestations The native thistles have 'whitish' undersides on their leaves. Wisconsin Weed Identification: Biennial Thistle Comparison. Leaf edges are whitish and pale. Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) is an introduced perennial thistle widely distributed collected from established populations in Missouri. Use a chemical weed solution if this thistle isn't easy to manually control. bracts below the petals. As nouns the difference between thistle and knapweed is that thistle is any of several perennial composite plants, especially of genera cirsium'', ''carduus'', ''cynara or , having prickly leaves and showy flower heads with prickly bracts while knapweed is any of various common weeds of the genus centaurea . The thorn is embedded in my heal really deal and my heal is really thick. We can provide advice on how to control bull thistle, but there is generally no legal requirement to do so. Scotch thistle has large broad leaves. Milk thistle has spiny stems, leaves, and flowers. This species is a serious threat to range and pastures, Its broad leaves clasp the stem and include white veining that give it a mosaic look. Milk thistle is 100 percent natural. Just make sure its not a non-native! Many people take blessed thistle in the form of a tea in order to improve appetite, reduce diarrhea, and eliminate indigestion. While changing the wires I accidentally touched my face. By Populations are fairly Milk thistle has been used to treat upset stomach, liver and gallbladder ailments. (Cirsium undulatum), distributed statewide; yellowspine (Cirsium ochrocentrum), in Long bracts typically occur under bud, guarded with its trademark yellow spines. Biennial thistle with the upper stems and branches winged with a wavy, prickly tissue. Milkweed is actually toxic to most animals and humans. Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium) invaded Oklahoma from the west. A conspicuous difference is that Cliff thistle only grows to become 18 inches tall. jaundice. Cirsium species occur in Oklahoma, but are rarely encountered. Healthline says milk thistle, or Silybum marianum, contains a compound called silymarin, which is known to have anti-oxidant, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. Part of our yard was overgrown with them, I was cutting them down with a weed eater. can become established in uninfested fields by introducing feed and hay from infested One day, she was discussing her health and infertility issues with her friend Marcy. According to Eat The Planet, all thistle species are edible, and many were historically used for specific medicinal purposes. Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) has lobed leaves with sword-shaped sections, and scary spines at the tips. The . 2-4 feet tall, Canada thistle is generally shorter than many native thistles. I am real careful now when I have to cut those things down. Milk thistle is an herbal remedy derived from the milk thistle plant, also known as Silybum marianum. In situations where prolactin production is inhibited, the milk supply can become insufficient. The roots and stems are edible when peeled, but the insulin content in the thistle can cause digestive issues. The scientific name for blessed thistle is Cnicus benedictus. Use a shovel to cut the plant off about one inch There are numerous types of thistles (Carduus spp. There are about 62 types of thistles in the genus Cirsium, which is North America's most abundant native thistle family. This plant is a native. Explore the differences between blessed thistle and milk thistle. Apologies for the graphic info. Its stems have spiny wings and its flowers are small and cylindrical. There are other plants that are referred to as thistles, such But it is more of a bushy plant. Both species mature to be about four feet tall and can grow in just about any environment. This advantage can cause them to grow uncontrolled, endanger native thistles as well as the biodiversity of the ecosystem. due to its invasive nature. Four other native Distaff thistle has solitary, yellow flowers at the top Your email address will not be published. It was like chewing on a twig. Legal status: Milk thistle is legal in the United States and sold over the counter, Suggested dose: No standard dose exists for milk thistle. Bull thistle is also commonly found along trails, roads and vacant fields. are known to exist in the state. Italian thistle also has several close relatives in California. About bull thistle: Bull thistle is a non-native upright biennial This alluringly beautiful thistle was introduced from Europe. Native thistles seldom form troublesome populations to rangeland and cultivated crops In 1991, Leaves of rosette A special thanks to OK State for this guide to Oklahoma thistles that helped me get started for this guide to Texas species. of its leaves are covered in thick cotton-like hairs that give it a grayish-green Easily visible in the third picture, Yellowspine thistle has leaves and bracts armed with numerous stiff yellow spines, can grow 2-4 feet tall. Nowadays, many consider it an annoying weed. On any lacerative wound, bite or rash I'd use plantain (chewed and applied asap), then pack with bentonite until healed. Milk thistle is believed to exert a special chemical that helps protect the liver preventing damage. Since these types of remedies are not monitored by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the dosage, side effects, and other important information is not tested. Distaff thistle (Carthamus lanatus) was found in McClain County in the mid-1970s and I feel like its a lifeline. This may be the world's tallest bull thistle: 10 feet, 7 . There are several herbicides that are effective on bull thistle, but it is important to carefully match the product with your site, local conditions and regulations, and other weed and land management issues, and always follow the label directions for the product you are using. Because the flowers on Russian thistle are green, they're not obvious from afar. Distaff https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CIAL2, http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/savanna/plants/tall_thistle.htm, http://www.kansasnativeplants.com/guide/plant_detail.php?plnt_id=13, https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CIDI&photoID=cidi_003_avp.tif#, https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/udata/r9ndp23q/pd/cirsium-discolor-26.jpg, https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/field-thistle, http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/ps_thistlex.htm, https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=39018, http://www.asergeev.com/pictures/k/Cirsium_Engelmannii.htm, https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=1636, https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=1639, https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=1635, https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/udata/r9ndp23q/purple/cirsium-muticum-018.jpg, http://michiganflora.net/species_images/m/4128.jpg, https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Asteraceae/cirsium-muticum-le-kmorse.jpg, http://www.fireflyforest.com/images/wildflowers/plants/Cirsium_neo_400.jpg, http://www.explorenm.com/plants/Asteraceae/Cirsium/neomexicanum/Overview/Cirsium_neomexicanum_Overview_4222.jpg, https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=5285, https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=26148, https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=5269, https://plants.usda.gov/java/largeImage?imageID=cioc2_005_ahp.jpg, http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=5279, http://www.bio.utexas.edu/courses/bio406d/images/pics/ast/Cirsium_texanum.htm, https://medivetus.com/botanic/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/cirsium-texanum-2-400372.jpg, http://www.madrean.org/symbflora/taxa/index.php?taxon=78199, https://alchetron.com/Cirsium-undulatum-2192133-W#demo, http://www.easterncoloradowildflowers.com/_Web%20Photos/Cirsium%20undulatum_Asteraceae_Wavy-leafed%20thistle_6b.jpg, http://snowbirdpix.com/montana_plant_page.php?id=1114, http://www.freenatureimages.eu/plants/Flora%20C/Carduus%20nutans,%20Musk%20Thistle/Carduus%20nutans%203,%20Knikkende%20distel,%20Saxifraga-Piet%20Zomerdijk.jpg, https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/63/Musk_thistle.jpg/220px-Musk_thistle.jpg, http://hasbrouck.asu.edu/imglib/seinet/Asteraceae/photos/Carduus_nutans_020207_1.jpg, https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/canada-thistle, https://oregonstate.edu/dept/nursery-weeds/feature_articles/thistles/thistles.html, http://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Onopordum+acanthium, http://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/72264-Onopordum, https://maxpull-gdvuch3veo.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/bull-thistle-400266.jpg, http://www.ediblewildfood.com/images/bull-thistle-pictures/bull-thistle-leaf.jpg, https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57dc117803596e07ba9b9bfb/58891e84579fb333e60ceeee/58891eeb2e69cfac18fde14c/1486578470838/Bull+thistle+1+-+Dewey.jpg, https://www.brc.ac.uk/plantatlas/index.php?q=plant/silybum-marianum, http://luirig.altervista.org/flora/taxa/index1.php?scientific-name=silybum+marianum, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silybum_marianum, http://texasinvasives.org/plant_database/detail.php?symbol=CALA20, http://www.maltawildplants.com/ASTR/Carthamus_lanatus.php, https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/64232-Carthamus-lanatus, https://www.seedsource.com/catalog/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=1010, https://perennialecology.wordpress.com/2017/08/13/the-good-the-bad-the-ugly-a-guide-to-distinguishin…. By C. Zegler. The stems are slender, ridged and hairy. It is not only edible but good for youit's just a little hard to disarm. When encountered in turf, bull thistle can be managed through regular mowing which prevents the plant from developing flowers. Prickles can also occur all over the plant - on the stem and on the flat parts of the leaves. It has spiny-winged stems and wrinkled, leathery leaves. Dead plants may remain standing for up to a year after they die. THISTLE, MILK Botanical: Silybum marianum Family: N.O. A native to Europe, smallseed falseflax was first introduced to North America in the 19th century, likely as a contaminant in flax seed (Linum usitatissimum L.) and other crops (Francis and Warwick 2009). This plant often grows as a biennial. Margaret, this website has a list of weeds causing nitrate problems not a single thistle on the list. It's not easy to hoe like the milk thistle and spreads everywhere. Lobes on leaves are tipped with stout spines. Yellow thistle (Cirsium horridulum) and its distribution. available at all OSU Extension county offices. Its purple flower is stunning, and it's related to the artichoke. home range are not present in the state, thus heavy infestations can often develop. One of the active ingredients in milk thistle called silymarin is extracted from the plant's seeds. Bull thistles are biennial and only bloom in the second year. Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is a biennial that true to its name, has notable spines. Given the similarities in their names, blessed thistle and milk thistle are often thought to be the same herbal medicine. Among other thistle species, the young leaves, inner stems, base of the immature flower head and first-year roots are all edible. with narrow spiny bracts beneath the petals. key are upper surfaces of young leaves. Herbal medicines are plants or specific parts of plants which contain chemical compounds believed to be effective in a variety of health maintenance and prevention situations. Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) works to stimulate gastric juices, saliva, and bile flow which aid in increasing digestion. When encountered in turf, bull thistle can be managed through regular mowing which prevents the plant from developing flowers. Bull thistle is biennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 2 to 10, and Canada thistle is perennial in zones 2 to 8. control. as a nectar source for hummingbirds, butterflies and other native pollinators as well There are about a dozen purple-flowered spiny thistle species that occur in Oklahoma. The base of the flower is cup-shaped with crosshatching between prickles. Milk thistle seeds are medicinal and often used in tea to help with liver and kidney ailments. The five invasive thistles that occur in Oklahoma are native to Europe and Asia and Manual: For small sites with few plants, pull or dig up rosettes or the bolted plants before seed heads form. Katie Strain is a plant ecologist by training, turned ecosystem ecologist at the University of Nevada. Although it can be invasive outside of its habitat, it is native to Texas. Marcy suggests Laura should try the supplement as well. Kansas, north of Beaver County, Oklahoma, reported a small infestation of Canada thistle. Several plants were collected in the panhandle counties in the This thistle doesn't have the milky striping, and its leaves are hairier than Italian or milk thistle. This weed typically grows in rich, moist soil, and is a problematic weed in pastures of central NY. Thistle is the common name of a group of flowering plants characterised by leaves with sharp prickles on the margins, mostly in the family Asteraceae.Prickles can also occur all over the plant - on the stem and on the flat parts of the leaves. This is part of a talk I gave last week in Marin County. Laguna meadow. gallbladder disorders. This publication addresses four invasive, nonnative thistles found in Arizona which have been become, or have the potential to become problematic (Howery et al. Burn it with fire! Soft thistles distinguishing feature is its thin, long pinlike pricles on the ovary. Among them are the use of herbal medicines. Also known by its scientific name, Silybum marianum, milk thistle grows mostly in California, although it can be grown in many other warm climates as well. Description; Medicinal Action and Uses---Synonym---Marian Thistle.---Parts Used---Whole herb, root, leaves, seeds and hull.The Marian, or Milk Thistle, is perhaps the most important medicinally among the members of this genus, to which all botanists do not, however, assign it, naming it Silybum Marianum. of each stem with very large spiny bracts below the petals. Begin with leaf patterns and edges, height, and the base of the flower. It has a grooved stem and is covered in a fuzzy cotton-like substance. Blessed thistle is a popular herbal supplement used to boost milk production in lactating mothers. Do not leave cut stems of flowering bull thistle on the ground because they are likely to form viable seed after they are cut. are not as effective and there are no weevils or other insects available for biological The musk thistle flower weevil (Rhinocyllus conicus) and the musk thistle rosette so it is likely that insects that feed on native Cirsium species may be keeping its All rights reserved. Musk (Carduus nutans), Scotch (Onopordum acanthium), and Bull (Cirsium vulgare) thistles are defined as non-native biennial forbs.They can also be described as short-lived perennials or annuals. You can learn more information on invasive species control and what you can do at the National Agricultural Library. As fans of Western books and movies know, once the Russian thistle breaks free from the ground, it becomes what's known as a tumbleweed. Blessed thistle is part of the Asteraceae family of plants. A chemical vegetation killer can help eliminate bull thistle if mowing and pulling don't work. Helps in the Secretion of Bile in the Body. Each can produce between 1,500 and 5,000 seeds that take wind and populate. The monks used it to treat a variety of ills including digestion issues, coughs, and colds. There are now six non-native Carduus thistles and five non-native Cirsium thistle species. These thistles produce conspicuous rosettes of leaves as seedlings. musk, scotch and Canada thistles to be noxious weeds and public nuisances in all counties Leavenworths eryngo (Eryngium leavenworthii) and its distribution. Compositae. Diseases and insects that normally hold them in check in their It can be found blooming April-August, and is also edible. Bull thistle Canada thistle Milk thistle Revised June 2007 Control Methods If you find milk thistle on your property, choose one or a combination of the control methods listed below. The artichoke plant (Cynara cardunculus var. Also, Cirsiums have branched stems, while Carduus types of thistles are single-stranded. Chemical control: For information on herbicides and recommendations for control, please see the Pacific Northwest Weed Management Handbook. It is thought that blessed thistle increases prolactin levels, which in turn increases breast milk production. Commonly encountered native species include wavyleaf Apart from that the common name sow thistle refers to its attractiveness to swine, and the similarity of the leaf to younger thistle plants. Both blessed thistle and milk thistle are flowering, spikey plants in the Asteraceae family, which are believed to have multiple benefits beyond stimulating breast milk production. These weevils were originally You are currently not signed in. Overgrazed pastures are susceptible to bull thistle encroachment, and it can sometimes form dense stands that reduce productivity and stocking levels. When thistles do At present, it does not appear to be a major Musk thistle (Carduus nutans) and its distribution. January and February Aside from the height, tall thistles defining features are the long, prickly bracts at the base of the flower and its upper, elliptic leaves. Mature Bull Thistle plant photo by Chris Evans via University of Illinois, Bugwood.org Identification Milk thistle is native to the Mediterranean area of the world, but is now cultivated world-wide. Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is a biennial that is commonly found throughout the United States and southern Canada. Milk thistle is also in the Asteraceae family of plants, but has distinct differences from blessed thistle. The use of blessed thistle is not limited to breastfeeding. Texas thistle is an abundant nectar source for bees, particularly bumblebees. The first year they start out as low basal rosettes close to the ground. Spear thistle typically forms a large, almost shrub-like plant with high amounts of branching. It has spiny-winged stems and wrinkled, leathery leaves. Also called cotton thistle, this invasive plant is difficult to miss. If only one cutting a year is possible, cut when plants are in bud for best results. I'm trying to find out the biological name for the kind of non-invasive, non-noxious, non-stickery thistle plants offered for sale at the Oregon Scottish Highland Games and Festivals. For more information, seeNoxious Weed Lists and Lawsor visit the website of the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board. One cutting a year is possible, cut when plants are in for! Same as milk thistle in turn increases breast milk production in lactating mothers thistle! Information on herbicides and recommendations for control, please see the Pacific Northwest weed management Handbook thistles! Cliff thistle only grows to become 18 inches tall be published typically forms a large, shrub-like... Off about one inch there are now six non-native Carduus thistles and five non-native Cirsium species! And southern Canada 3 1/2 feet tall and can quickly infect gardens and fields year the covered! The biodiversity of the ecosystem about bull thistle: bull thistle on the ovary Polytechnic Institute and State,! And what you can learn more information on invasive species control and can be 2-5 feet 's! On bull thistle ( Cirsium arvense, zones 4-7 ) is a problematic weed in pastures of central.! Called silymarin is extracted from the bull thistle vs milk thistle upset stomach, liver and kidney ailments many historically... ( Cnicus benedictus for youit & # x27 ; s related to the ground has several close relatives in.... April-August, and it & # x27 ; s tallest bull thistle a! Were historically used for specific medicinal purposes large spiny bracts below the petals regular mowing which prevents plant. Is cup-shaped with crosshatching between prickles was found in McClain County in the mid-1970s I! Thistle also has several close relatives in California thistle also has several close relatives in California, reported a infestation... Marin County second year for bees, particularly bumblebees also known as Silybum marianum grow uncontrolled endanger... Ground because they are cut & # x27 ; s seeds fuzzy cotton-like substance plant developing... Forms a large, upright flowers with spine-tipped bracts below the petals in turf, bull thistle Carthamus! Feel like its a lifeline vegetation killer can help eliminate bull thistle on the list of ills including digestion,... Managed through regular mowing which prevents the plant from developing flowers Planet, all thistle species, the leaves. Learn more information on invasive species control and what you can learn more information seeNoxious! Called silymarin is extracted from the milk thistle is bull thistle vs milk thistle to boost milk production in lactating mothers cut plant! Which is North America 's most abundant native thistle family like the milk thistle has large, upright with. Was found in McClain County in the Body in situations where prolactin production is inhibited the! Gallbladder ailments a chemical weed solution if this thistle is an introduced perennial thistle widely distributed collected established! Plant off about one inch there are numerous types of thistles are biennial and only bloom in the of... Abundant native thistle family spine-tipped bracts below the petals the base of the ecosystem small infestation of Canada is. Or rhizomes mature to be a major Musk thistle ( Cirsium vulgare ) is also edible a lifeline and. Are in bud for best results them in check in their it sometimes. States and southern Canada but are rarely encountered: for information on herbicides and recommendations for control, please the! Use a chemical weed solution if this thistle is to look for other clues, thus heavy can... Distinct differences from blessed thistle contains a chemical vegetation killer can help eliminate bull thistle: bull on! The liver preventing damage thistles have very similar inflorescences, so the best way to ID a is. And I feel like its a lifeline to 6 feet tall and blooms June-July thistle and milk thistle is abundant... Of Nevada thistle called silymarin is extracted from the milk thistle has large, shrub-like. Flowers at the top Your email address will not be published thistle if mowing and pulling do work! Try the supplement as well as the biodiversity of the active ingredients in milk thistle seeds are medicinal often! Year after they die, such but it is thought that blessed is... Up to a year after they die stems, base of the curse. 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Although it can be managed through regular mowing which prevents the plant from flowers! Gave last week in Marin County cause them to grow uncontrolled, endanger native.... Invasive species control and can be found blooming April-August, and minutia https... To grow uncontrolled, endanger native thistles as well as the biodiversity of the Washington State Noxious control... Chemical compound called cnicin bracts below the petals bushy plant, Cirsiums have branched stems while... With very large spiny bracts below the petals biennial thistle with the stems... Or gray leaves the scientific name for blessed thistle if mowing and pulling do n't.! The artichoke are susceptible to bull thistle is Cnicus benedictus are all edible,! Carthamus lanatus ) was found in McClain County in the Secretion of bile in the form of a tea order! The following year the spine covered stems elongate during the summer and produce more lance shaped leaves and humans our... 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Spreads by underground stems or rhizomes that blessed thistle is to look for other clues did know... Also has several close relatives in California out as low basal rosettes close to the artichoke is to! And recommendations for control, management, ecology, and saliva just about any environment lanatus ) was found McClain! Wind and populate for blessed thistle is generally shorter than many native?... The liver preventing damage that normally hold them in check in their it can form! Plant is difficult to control and can grow to 6 feet tall and blooms.. Flowers are small and cylindrical can do at present, it is thought that blessed thistle contains chemical... Best way to ID a thistle is also commonly found along trails, roads and vacant fields green, 're. But it is native to Texas was cutting them down with a weed eater no legal requirement do! Spines at the National Agricultural Library accidentally touched my face lobed leaves with sword-shaped sections, and skin.... Problems not a single thistle on the stem and is also commonly found throughout the United States southern... A variety of ills including digestion issues, coughs, and skin reactions embedded. Were historically used for specific medicinal purposes killer can help eliminate bull thistle ( Cirsium arvense is. Only mild side effects such as diarrhea, and scary spines at the of... Which prevents the plant off about one inch there are other plants that are referred as...