Weed ID

CANADA THISTLE

Asteraceae or Sunflower Family
Cirsium arvense

GROWTH HABIT: Perennial, grows up to 4 feet tall.

LEAVES: Deeply toothed with spines, hairy on underside, varies quite a lot from plant to plant.

STEMS: Smooth to slightly hairy, branched at top.

FLOWERS: Small bristly cluster, 3/8 to 5/8 inches in diameter, light lavender to deep rose purple, male or females.

ROOTS: Extensive creeping horizontal roots up to 16 feet long and 2 to 22 feet deep.

SEEDS: Produces 9,300 seeds per plant, viable up to 22 years.

REPRODUCES: Vegetatively from horizontal creeping roots or from seeds.

HABITAT: Found in meadows, roadsides, native grasslands, pastures, and waste places.

"Trouble times TWO! Stickers and underground spreading roots"