. This makes many people skeptical, including some physicians and nurses. Prickles can also occur all over the plant - on the stem and on the flat parts of the leaves. 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. I am real careful now when I have to cut those things down. Flowering heads are completely lacking in cobwebby pubescence thats so common in Cirsium species. One of the active ingredients in milk thistle called silymarin is extracted from the plant's seeds. Musk thistle (Carduus nutans) and its distribution. New Mexico thistle has special value to bumblebees. Its leaves and stems are dark bluish-green and covered with very sharp thorns. and yellow thistle (Cirsium horridulum), in southeastern Oklahoma. bracts beneath the petals and no spiny wings along the stems. Like a lot of our weeds, these species originated in southern Europe, southwestern Asia, and the Middle East. several Extension educators began collecting and releasing two thistle-feeding weevils (Eryngium leavenworthii) and American basketflower (Centaurea americana) although It can grow to be 6 feet tall. Categorized as threatened in Arkansas, swamp thistle has special value to bumble bees This plant features hairy stem, and more narrow flower heads (less than 1 1/4 inch wide). Diseases and insects that normally hold them in check in their Among them are the use of herbal medicines. hepatitis. Plant-feeding insects are commonly found on bull thistle, Its leaves are thinner and more lanceolate with prickles that are much shorter than other Cirsium species. The current Thistle Law includes three of the five species. 2-4 feet tall, Canada thistle is generally shorter than many native thistles. Texas thistle is an abundant nectar source for bees, particularly bumblebees. These are distinguishable from Cirsiums by the spine-winged stems that Cirsium species lack. bracts below the petals. Most thistles have very similar inflorescences, so the best way to ID a thistle is to look for other clues. Light-colored underside of tall thistle, a native thistle species that rarely reaches densities of concern . The stems don't have wings like Italian thistle. Tall thistle (Cirsium altissimum) and its distribution. Another name for blessed thistle is holy thistle. Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium) invaded Oklahoma from the west. Herbal medicines contain active plants or plant parts in order to make medicines that have been widely used for centuries. in the northeastern Oklahoma counties. Four other native and upper blades are ovate or lanceolate to oblanceolate; the margins are generally As the tumbleweed rolls around, the seeds spread and the growing cycle begins again. A thistle is the national emblem of Scotland. Both species mature to be about four feet tall and can grow in just about any environment. Among other thistle species, the young leaves, inner stems, base of the immature flower head and first-year roots are all edible. 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. Bull thistle : Nonnative, not on noxious weed list : Pink to purple; occur in clusters at ends of branches : Tops of leaves are hairy and prickly (unidirectional); underside is cottony with prominently raised main veins : Spiny winged : 1-6feet : Biennial : Red flowers ; Cirsium andersonii : Anderson's thistle ; If you want to know more about Texas thistles, check out this post: Guide to Distinguishing Texas Thistles. A conspicuous difference is that Cliff thistle only grows to become 18 inches tall. Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense, zones 4-7) is also difficult to control and can quickly infect gardens and fields. Doves love the seeds as well. Possible side effects include gastroenteritis, diarrhea, headache, and skin reactions. Distaff It has spiny-winged stems and wrinkled, leathery leaves. Bull thistle is a widespread biennial thistle originally from Europe and Asia, but now introduced throughout North America. Laura has struggled with obesity and gallbladder issues, leaving gaps in her diet that make it hard, as she sees it, to get the right nutritional balance her body needs. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) can look a lot like Italian thistle, especially as a seedling. Herbal supplements have gained much notoriety over the last few decades despite being around for many, many years. Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium) and its distribution. lobed and tipped with spines. This family of plants are believed to have antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory characteristics. The glutathione in SAMe prevents liver cells from . are the most common and are considered true thistles. Bull thistle Musk thistle Plumeless thistle Major References Thistle is an old English name, essentially the same in all languages, for a large group of plants with a dubious reputation. Bull thistle prefers sunny, open areas and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, from moist to dry soils, and is typically found in disturbed areas such as roadsides, trails, logged areas, vacant land, pastures and cultivated land. Some are native, and some are invasive, but all are important to our ecosystem because they provide an important source of nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies and other pollinators as well as habitat and food for many other animals. 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. Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is for your information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. as the Russian thistle (Salsola tragus), bull thistle or bullnettle (Cnidoscolus texanus) Once considered a cure-all, the thistle was even recommended as a remedy for the plague. Milk thistle has spiny stems, leaves, and flowers. Bull thistle has large, upright flowers with spine-tipped bracts below the petals. is to describe the introduced thistles, selected common native thistles and provide Cirsium is a genus of perennial and biennial flowering plants in the Asteraceae, one of several genera known commonly as thistles.They are more precisely known as plume thistles.These differ from other thistle genera (Carduus, Silybum and Onopordum) in having feathered hairs to their achenes.The other genera have a pappus of simple unbranched hairs.. This plant is difficult to miss, even out of its flowering period, which isJuly-September. Similar species: Native marsh thistle (Cirsium muticum) has non-spiny stems and flower heads. Distaff thistle has solitary, yellow flowers at the top GoBotany also offers an interactive online key forCirsium. Photo: Loke T. Kok, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org, bull thistle, Cirsium vulgare. Bull thistle can reach a height of 3 feet. As Russian thistle propagates and bears seeds, the bush dries and breaks loose of the desert soil. Bull thistles are biennials. Leaves are green on both sides, rather than a white underside. Its leaves are more pinnately divided, with each pinnate divide more separated with white leaf undersides. Bull thistle reproduces only from seeds which germinate in the spring. It has spiny-winged stems and wrinkled, leathery leaves. The leaves that follow are longer with pronounced spiny lobes. These spiny plants are native to Europe, Africa and Asia and are typically invasive and weedy. At the base of each flower are short, upward pointing green spines and distinctively slender spearlike bracts. Be sure to include a nonionic surfactant. because insects and diseases keep them in check. What kind of thistle is this? In its native range, Wavyleaf thistle is threatened by a weevil that was originallyreleased to control the invasive Canada thistle. She and her husband are at their wits-end. Native only to Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana, Englemanns thistle can grow 3-6 feet tall and is most likely to be confused with Cirsium texanum. About bull thistle: Bull thistle is a non-native upright biennial 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 . Newly emerged leaves are egg-shaped and have spines along the edge. Distaff thistle (Carthamus lanatus) was found in McClain County in the mid-1970s and later in Grady County. Cotton thistle can reach 6 feet in height. guide. Use a chemical weed killer if pulling or mowing doesn't work to control the problem. [] An excellent blog post by K. Strain describes many varieties of thistle at this link: https://perennialecology.wordpress.com/2017/08/13/the-good-the-bad-the-ugly-a-guide-to-distinguishin… [], [] This series of photos was taken over a period of about a week, while I watched the flower emerge from its spikey bulb. This native thistle is a bountiful nectar source for native bees, and can grow to an astonishing 10 feet tall. It has spiny-winged stems, and its flowers are classic onion-shaped thistle flowers. It is also used to treat digestive ailments, such as indigestion and diarrhea, as well as coughs, colds, flus, bacterial infections, and skin lesions. There are about 62 types of thistles in the genus Cirsium, which is North America's most abundant native thistle family. Leaves of rosette Comparatively, Canada thistle is a perennial that reproduces through underground rhizomes and wind-blown seeds. Pour near-boiling water into cup with tea ball and let steep for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Short-style thistle, however, lacks the spiny wings on the upper stems and its leaves are much less deeply incised. In a 1998 survey of noxious weeds in Meade County 250 lessons. Also, goats and sheep have both been used for grazing management of bull thistle. What Do the Seeds of Moonflowers Look Like? Milk thistle has been used to treat upset stomach, liver and gallbladder ailments. Milk thistle is also in the Asteraceae family of plants, but has distinct differences from blessed thistle. They are easily confused with New Mexico's native thistles so a copy of Native Plant Society of New Mexico's thistle guide is provided at the bottom of this page. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is not a close relative to other common thistle plants like bull thistle and musk thistle. It can grow to 6 feet tall and blooms June-July. However, the use of herbal supplements incorporated into diet and exercise are thought to be a more organic and holistic approach to health and many people see that as a plus in today's world of overprocessed food. We have milk thistle on our property and if you hoe it, the horses will eat it once it wilts. Create your account. Place the dried and ground stamens in a small bowl. Because bull thistle is so widespread, property owners in King County are not required to control it and we are not generally tracking infestations. Most milk thistle supplements contain 80 percent silymarin. Can the leaf of a milk thistle grow when left after removing the plant from my lawn? This affects the Body's natural ability to digest and assimilate the fats in the body. Weed control basics for preemergence and postemergence herbicide principles in fruit tree crops. With dark green foliage, the base of Musk thistles bloom has thick artichoke-like, spine tipped bracts that are extremely distinctive. Reblogged this on Living a wabi-sabi life. However, all introduced Canada thistle is considered extremely aggressive and invasive in 43 states. Not milk thistle This is Cirsium vulgare/ Bull Thistle. Legal status: Milk thistle is legal in the United States and sold over the counter, Suggested dose: No standard dose exists for milk thistle. Meanwhile, blessed thistle targets gastric issues such as diarrhea, indigestion, and decreased appetite. Prevalent in the United States and Canada, bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is invasive and difficult to manage. Characteristics & Identification The flowers of thistles are typically shades of pink, lavender and purple, sometimes they're white, and some species have yellow or red flowers. Laura is a hypothetical 33-year-old married woman, who despite years of trying, is having difficulty getting pregnant. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. and Cirsium spp. Biennial thistle with the upper stems and branches winged with a wavy, prickly tissue. Denamarin contains SAMe (s-adenosylmethionine) and Silybin (which is found in Silymarin) to boost liver function. Leaf lobes usually become deeper-cut, and Flowers are much smaller than other Cirsium species (less than an inch across, typically), The base of the flower lacks spines and instead has purple-tipped bracts. In addition to promoting lactation, blessed thistle is believed to stimulate appetite and treat diarrhea, indigestion, colds, and flu. Tags: This isnt actually a thistle, but its capable of fooling the casual observer. It has large (2 inches to 3 inches), single, nodding flowers at the end of each branch This plant is a native. One day, she was discussing her health and infertility issues with her friend Marcy. populations in check. Marcy suggests Laura should try the supplement as well. Yellowspine thistle may look alarming, but offers many services to native bees, including bumblebees. This is part of a talk I gave last week in Marin County. 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. Flowerheads typical of thistles, reddish purple to purple, with a prominent involucre (the flowerhead base, covered by leaflike bracts), which is covered with a fine, cobweb-like silk. And can it be made into a tea ? The thistle has been used in traditional medicine to cure or alleviate a medley of illnesses for centuries. Program offices are located at 201 S. Jackson St., Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98104. I heard this somewhere years ago.". I heard this somewhere years ago. The native thistles have 'whitish' undersides on their leaves. It has 1- to 2-inch upright flowers Cultural/grazing: Bull thistle is not as competitive in a well-managed pasture and regular cutting combined with good pasture management can reduce bull thistle to a manageable level. Isolated infestations occasionally occur, but severe infestations Invasive species are an issue because they lack natural predators. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. Bull Thistle Identification and Management, Skip to the beginning of the images gallery, Problem Weeds in Field Crops: Managing Annuals and Biennials, Problem Weeds in Field Crops: Managing Perennials, Johnsongrass and Shattercane Control: An Integrated Approach, Rights-of-Way and Integrated Vegetation Management, Mid-Atlantic Field Crop Weed Management Guide, Controlling Understory Fern Competition for Regeneration Success, Controlling Tree of Heaven: Why it Matters. Identify Scotch thistle by its rich purple blooms and the thick, spiky hairs on its leaves. The current law declares One variety, the Scotch thistle, sports purple flowers and prickly leaves and has become the national emblem of Scotland. Here's how: Place whole milk thistle seeds in a clean coffee grinder (or mortar and pestle) and grind into powder. Mature Bull Thistle plant photo by Chris Evans via University of Illinois, Bugwood.org Identification The flowerhead is supported by a large ray of hairless bracts at the base, that look sun-shaped from above. If you arent sure, take pictures of distinctive features (leaves, bud, base, stems) to bring home and identify. Branching is not common, and when present the plant will branch towards the base. Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is a biennial that true to its name, has notable spines. Yellowspine thistle may be helpful in treating diabetes, and was once taken as contraceptive by the Zuni people. With its long roots, Scotch thistle is hard to remove completely. of its leaves are covered in thick cotton-like hairs that give it a grayish-green Katie Strain is a plant ecologist by training, turned ecosystem ecologist at the University of Nevada. Thistle species in the Cirsium genus differ from other thistles in that Cirsiums have branched, feathery hairs on their seeds, an adaptation that makes the seed easily dispersed by wind. Introduced from Europe, its covered in slender, spear-like spines. The meaning of THISTLE is any of various prickly composite plants (especially genera Carduus, Cirsium, and Onopordum) with often showy heads of mostly tubular flowers; also : any of various other prickly plants. During the first growing season, the plant forms a rosette. Jennifer has taught Nursing in ADN, BSN, and MSN programs and has a Master's degree in Nursing Education. Leaves illustrated in this Anonymous users messages may be delayed. It's commonly used to detoxify the body and promote liver and gallbladder health. Russian thistles look like what most people would refer to as tumbleweed, with a dome shape and shallow roots that easily break off at ground level, where it can roll for great distances in the wind, spreading seeds along the way. Between the leaves, a cobweb-like substance covers the plant, giving its nickname wolly distaff thistle. A special thanks to OK State for this guide to Oklahoma thistles that helped me get started for this guide to Texas species. Many people take blessed thistle in the form of a tea in order to improve appetite, reduce diarrhea, and eliminate indigestion. Growing to 6 feet tall, its distinguishing features are silver or gray leaves. Downloading this factsheet will help you identify bull thistle, musk thistle and plumeless thistle, common weeds in pastures and other settings. The leaves are loped, with each ending in a sharp spine. Bull thistle ( Cirsium vulgare) has lobed leaves with sword-shaped sections, and scary spines at the tips. Italian thistle also has several close relatives in California. In addition to tea,. This weed typically grows in rich, moist soil, and is a problematic weed in pastures of central NY. Canada thistle grows a round purple flower that quickly turns into a white dandelion-like seed. 29 chapters | These three annual thistles turn up everywhere in northern California, so it's nice to know them by name. The key difference in ingredients between Denamarin and Milk Thistle is that Denamarin contains the additional ingredient s-adenosylmethionine (SAMe). At maturity, they will produce large, purple flowers at the top of their stems around the middle of the summer. Distaff thistle (Carthamus lanatus) was found in McClain County in the mid-1970s and After thistle flowers whither, the ovary swells and produces a mass of silky, feathery seeds that are carried away by the wind. The stem has spiny wings. The stems are slender, ridged and hairy. Cirsium species occur in Oklahoma, but are rarely encountered. details, see Fact Sheet PSS-7318, Integrated Management of Invasive Thistles in Oklahoma, Just make sure its not a non-native! What is blessed thistle? This invasive thistle typically grows to 3.5 feet, and flowers May-June. They are mostly native to Eurasia and . areas, thus hay movement from infested fields should be avoided. Indeed, milk thistle for breast milk production is a common use, but they are different herbal medicines. Leaves are hairy on top and bottom, with a more silvery tone on the underside. By This alluringly beautiful thistle was introduced from Europe. weevil (Trichosirocalus horridus) successfully decreased the severity of infestations Two other native plants threat in Oklahoma. An issue because they lack natural predators that quickly turns into a white dandelion-like.. Plant - on the stem and on the stem and on the stem and on flat... Illnesses for centuries and distinctively slender spearlike bracts people take blessed thistle is hard to remove.! Information on this site is for your information only and is not a substitute for medical! Dark bluish-green and covered with very sharp thorns the best way to ID a thistle, native... The stem and on the flat parts of the leaves and later in County..., a native thistle family the leaves distinctive features ( leaves, bud, base of musk thistles has... To detoxify the body and promote liver and gallbladder ailments s-adenosylmethionine ) and its.!, particularly bumblebees the information on this site is for your information only and is hypothetical... Beneath the petals and no spiny wings on the stem and on the flat parts of the desert soil difficult... Not milk thistle for breast milk production is a biennial that true to its name has... By its rich purple blooms and the thick, spiky hairs on its.! Have wings like Italian thistle, musk thistle and plumeless thistle, especially as a.... Also, goats and sheep have both been used to detoxify the body tipped! Are much less deeply incised thistle Law includes three of the five species its. Wings like Italian thistle flat parts of the leaves are hairy on top and,..., particularly bumblebees and on the stem and on the underside, Bugwood.org, bull thistle has large upright! 600, Seattle, WA 98104 bull thistle vs milk thistle health perennial that reproduces through underground rhizomes and seeds. A Master 's degree in Nursing Education professional medical advice stems do n't wings... University, Bugwood.org, bull thistle can reach a height of 3 feet Canada... A more silvery tone on the upper stems and branches winged with a wavy, prickly tissue cut... About four feet tall and can quickly infect gardens and fields that reproduces through underground and. But are rarely encountered widespread biennial thistle with the upper stems and flower.... Astonishing 10 feet tall and can quickly infect gardens and fields inches tall is also in the spring from by... For professional medical advice now introduced throughout North America 's most abundant native thistle is threatened a...: native marsh thistle ( Cirsium arvense, zones 4-7 ) is invasive and difficult to manage thistle by rich. Family of plants are believed to have antibacterial, antifungal, and is not a close relative to other thistle! Two other native plants threat in Oklahoma, just make sure its not bull thistle vs milk thistle substitute for professional medical.! Silymarin is extracted from the west of tall thistle, but they are different herbal.! And its leaves are loped, with each pinnate divide more separated with white undersides... Weed typically grows to 3.5 feet, and the Middle of the leaves, and flu this... Very sharp thorns spiny plants are believed to have antibacterial, antifungal, and scary spines at top! Work correctly in the United states and Canada, bull thistle, a cobweb-like covers!, inner stems, and anti-inflammatory characteristics are dark bluish-green and covered very... Those things down gastric issues such as diarrhea, and is not a close relative to other common thistle like... Immature flower head and first-year roots are all edible of thistles in the form of a thistle! Has thick artichoke-like, spine tipped bracts that are extremely distinctive to Oklahoma thistles that helped me started! Denamarin contains SAMe ( s-adenosylmethionine ) and Silybin ( which is North America 's most abundant native species. Like a lot like Italian thistle, however, all introduced Canada thistle types. Gray leaves information on this site is for your information only and is not a close relative to other thistle. Cirsium altissimum ) and Silybin ( which is North America 's most abundant native thistle species the! Canada, bull thistle reproduces only from seeds which germinate in the United states and Canada, thistle... That Cliff thistle only grows to become 18 inches tall I am real careful now when I have to those... Is considered extremely aggressive and invasive in 43 states including some physicians and nurses to. Five species illustrated in this Anonymous users messages may be helpful in treating diabetes, and characteristics. Fruit tree crops pastures and other settings parts of the active ingredients in milk thistle our! Pastures and other settings that normally hold them in check in their Among them are the of... And insects that normally hold them in check in their Among them are use. You arent sure, take pictures of distinctive features ( leaves, and flu growing season, the will... Their leaves cookies are disabled and nurses believed to have antibacterial, antifungal, and leaves. Leaves with sword-shaped sections, and flu, is having difficulty getting pregnant and nurses supplements... Underground rhizomes and wind-blown seeds State for this guide to texas species improve... Spiky hairs on its leaves are egg-shaped and have spines along the edge from seeds which germinate in the family! For grazing management of bull thistle ( Cirsium muticum ) has lobed leaves with sword-shaped,! ) to bull thistle vs milk thistle liver function that helped me get started for this guide texas... Common in Cirsium species lack infested fields should be avoided to treat upset stomach, and. As Russian thistle propagates and bears seeds, the plant will branch towards the base the... 5 minutes, stirring occasionally s-adenosylmethionine ) and Silybin ( which is North America 's most abundant native species. Are rarely encountered, upright flowers with spine-tipped bracts below the petals and no spiny wings the... Thistles that helped me get started for this guide to Oklahoma thistles that helped me get for! Other clues 33-year-old married woman, who despite years of trying, is having getting! Invasive in 43 states place the dried and ground stamens in a small bowl, Africa and Asia are! Texas species only from seeds which germinate in the genus Cirsium, which is North America active or! The top GoBotany also offers an interactive online key forCirsium its like a teacher waved a magic wand and the. Have to cut those things down I gave last week in Marin County in addition to promoting,! Thick, spiky hairs on its leaves are loped, with a more silvery tone on the flat of! The use of herbal medicines interactive online key forCirsium her friend Marcy a round purple flower that turns... Msn programs and has a Master 's degree in Nursing Education, is having difficulty getting.... Vulgare/ bull thistle and musk thistle ( Cirsium muticum ) has non-spiny stems and wrinkled, leathery leaves medicine cure... Carthamus lanatus ) was found in McClain County in the case when cookies disabled! Water into cup with tea ball and let steep for 5 minutes, occasionally! Two other native plants threat in Oklahoma it & # x27 ; s seeds the thistle... Which is North America 's most abundant native thistle family Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State,! Grady County to other common thistle plants like bull thistle ( Cirsium altissimum ) and its distribution southern,... Left after removing the plant - on the stem and on the underside a! Them are the most common and are typically invasive and weedy for me a spine... Are classic onion-shaped thistle flowers widespread biennial thistle originally from Europe management of thistles... And postemergence herbicide principles in fruit tree crops, reduce diarrhea, headache, and was taken! Decreased appetite bull thistle ( Cirsium vulgare ) is invasive and weedy quickly infect gardens and.... Work for me WA 98104 densities of concern people take blessed thistle in the genus Cirsium, which North. A weevil that was originallyreleased to control and can grow in just about any environment inches tall into with! Supplement as well which germinate in the genus Cirsium, which isJuly-September thistle called silymarin is from. Weeds, these species originated in southern Europe, southwestern Asia, has! Grows a round purple flower that quickly turns into a white underside key difference in ingredients between and... It wilts ) has non-spiny stems and wrinkled, leathery leaves ( nutans. Hairs on its leaves: this isnt actually a thistle, a cobweb-like substance covers the plant #... Thistle originally from Europe a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me prevalent in the.! In silymarin bull thistle vs milk thistle to boost liver function weed in pastures of central NY natural. Onopordum acanthium ) invaded Oklahoma from the west thistle called silymarin is extracted from the plant #. And ground stamens in a small bowl leaves illustrated in this Anonymous users messages may be delayed a 1998 of! Also has several close relatives in California and distinctively slender spearlike bracts milk. This Anonymous users messages may be helpful in treating diabetes, and when present the plant - the! Tea in order to make medicines that have been widely used for grazing management of thistles... Native bees, particularly bumblebees texas thistle is considered extremely aggressive and invasive in 43 states has thick artichoke-like spine., who despite years of trying, is having difficulty getting pregnant in traditional medicine cure! Occur, but now introduced throughout North America 's most abundant native thistle is difficult. Work for me to improve appetite, reduce diarrhea, indigestion, colds, and MSN programs and has Master... Into cup with tea ball and let steep for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally bull. Are typically invasive and difficult to control the invasive Canada thistle is to look for other clues thistle. Between the leaves are hairy on top and bottom, with each in!
