Canada Thistle

Common Name: Canada Thistle

Botanical Name: Cirsium arvense L.

Family: Asteraceae

Life Cycle: Perennial (spreads via rhizomes and seeds)

Defining Identification Characteristics:

• Tall, upright stems

• Alternate leaves with spiny margins

• Pink or purple flowers

• Wind dispersed seeds (like a dandelion)

• Deep rhizomes stretch 3 feet or more into the ground

Common habitat:

• Landscape gardens

• Farm fields

Noxious Weed List/Legal Status:

Eradicate Control Restricted Specially Regulated Not Listed

Additional Information:

• Canada Thistle