Other potential benefits include . It's not easy to hoe like the milk thistle and spreads everywhere. These three annual thistles turn up everywhere in northern California, so it's nice to know them by name. A thistle is the national emblem of Scotland. Each can produce between 1,500 and 5,000 seeds that take wind and populate. It's used in traditional medicine to treat liver diseases such as cirrhosis and is also known to galvanize the immune system. It has wooly hair on the It works by stimulating gastric juice production in the stomach, saliva glands located in the mouth as well as aid in bile flow. It received both names from Benedictine monks in the fourteenth century. If you come across a thistle, and are overwhelmed with the abundance and similarity of thistle species, dont panic. If left to grow, this type of thistle can reach 3 to 4 feet tall and will have soft, green, spear-shaped leaves that are covered with barbs. With its long roots, Scotch thistle is hard to remove completely. Infestations were identified early and were eradicated. Its stems have spiny wings and its flowers are small and cylindrical. The spikes along the thistle plant can cause problems when harvesting, as these must be peeled away. Here's how: Place whole milk thistle seeds in a clean coffee grinder (or mortar and pestle) and grind into powder. Tall thistle (Cirsium altissimum) and its distribution. Its sending pains through my foot when I walk. Invasive thistles Bull thistle has large, upright flowers with spine-tipped bracts below the petals. Nowadays, many consider it an annoying weed. Lobes on leaves are tipped with stout spines. The striking yellow thistle (Cirsium horridulum). The flowers are bright purple or magenta. counties. It is a perennial that spreads by underground stems or rhizomes. After thistle flowers whither, the ovary swells and produces a mass of silky, feathery seeds that are carried away by the wind. I think the Italian thistle is much worse and more invasive. height. I feel like its a lifeline. but in 1999-2000, new infestations were recorded in Love, Texas, Harper and Woodward Bull thistle thrives in sunny areas in a variety of soil types and conditions. . . Herbal medicines have been in use throughout the world for centuries. Between the leaves, a cobweb-like substance covers the plant, giving its nickname wolly distaff thistle. Blessed thistle is used to stimulate breast milk production, gastric acids, and saliva. The Texas Invasive Species Institute refers to Kali tragus as Salsola tragus, which was its taxonomic name until 2007. Each plant typically has numerous small flowers clustered at the top with spineless Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is for your information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. On any lacerative wound, bite or rash I'd use plantain (chewed and applied asap), then pack with bentonite until healed. Although it can be invasive outside of its habitat, it is native to Texas. The . The scientific name for milk thistle is Silybum marianum. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) infestation in Clackamas County On the other hand, non-native thistles can overrun an area and displace native plants, reduce agricultural yield, and create problems for grazing animals when they infest a field or pasture. Leaves illustrated in this She and her husband are at their wits-end. and released in other Oklahoma counties. are known to exist in the state. The horses eventually eat it when there is nothing else but it is very hard to control because it's much smaller than the milk thistle. Laguna meadow. Apart from that the common name sow thistle refers to its attractiveness to swine, and the similarity of the leaf to younger thistle plants. The milk thistle is a plant with variegated leaves with milky white veins. Front and back of bull thistle, musk thistle and plumeless thistle. Native thistles seldom form troublesome populations to rangeland and cultivated crops Post-emergent herbicides include: clopyralid (Lontrel), diquat (Reward) and glyphosate (Roundup). The rosettes can get up to 4 across. Both species mature to be about four feet tall and can grow in just about any environment. Apologies for the graphic info. This alluringly beautiful thistle was introduced from Europe. Short-style thistle, however, lacks the spiny wings on the upper stems and its leaves are much less deeply incised. Spear thistle, or Bull thistle is an invasive species. Legend has it that at some point during a 13 th century invasion, Norsemen tried to surprise sleeping Scottish Clansmen by sneaking up on bare feet. as a nectar source for hummingbirds, butterflies and other native pollinators as well Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. Milk thistle is found throughout the eastern United States, California, South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia. 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. By C. Zegler. It is sometimes sold as "Silymarin" or "Chardon-Marie" (derived from carduus marianus). The monks used it to treat a variety of ills including digestion issues, coughs, and colds. The entire plant is covered in thick bristly spine-like prickles and can be 2-5 feet. They also love to eat the dried heads (go figure as they are quite prickly) that are filled with seeds. 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. Canada thistle grows a round purple flower that quickly turns into a white dandelion-like seed. Long, needlelike prickles guard the base of the flower. A distinguishing factor can be spiny bracts at the base of the flower, which are lacking in Texas thistle. It flowers June-August. Silymarin is believed to have antioxidant properties. Not milk thistle This is Cirsium vulgare/ Bull Thistle. This plant often grows as a biennial. Milk thistle is a lovely, garden worthy medicinal thistle. Anonymous users messages may be delayed. This affects the Body's natural ability to digest and assimilate the fats in the body. Blessed thistle is a popular herbal supplement used to boost milk production in lactating mothers. and spiny sowthistle (Sonchus asper), which are not included in this identification Its broad leaves clasp the stem and include white veining that give it a mosaic look. People mainly use the supplement to treat . western Oklahoma; tall thistle (Cirsium altissimum), in central and eastern Oklahoma; https://mauiinvasive.org/blessed-milk-thistle/ Highly invasive! Mechanical control: Mowed thistles will produce new branches from basal buds but close cutting or cutting twice per season will usually prevent seed production and reduce the population over time. Blessed thistle is one of many herbal supplements used by women for lactation enhancement. Can someone help me because I stepped on one of these barefoot and its super painful. Chemical control: For information on herbicides and recommendations for control, please see the Pacific Northwest Weed Management Handbook. Historically, people have used milk thistle for liver . and upper blades are ovate or lanceolate to oblanceolate; the margins are generally Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) and its distribution. An organic poison ivy killer, vinegar is a great way to eliminate weeds on contact, especially when combined with other helpful ingredients like dish soap and salt. This page is optimized for . As the tumbleweed rolls around, the seeds spread and the growing cycle begins again. Bull thistle is aClassC Noxious Weed in Washington, first listed in 1988. Best Milk Thistle Supplement: Future Kind Milk Thistle Seed Liver Cleanse. 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. I heard this somewhere years ago.". information about them. Your email address will not be published. In year two, they shoot up a large flower stalk. Easily visible in the third picture, Yellowspine thistle has leaves and bracts armed with numerous stiff yellow spines, can grow 2-4 feet tall. Populations are fairly Introduced from Europe, its covered in slender, spear-like spines. After you read this, you will be able to recognize both plants. 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 . Milk thistle has been used to treat upset stomach, liver and gallbladder ailments. Bull thistle, while common throughout Wisconsin, rarely forms large populations, but none the less can be problematic. 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. Most milk thistle supplements contain 80 percent silymarin. The leaves and flowers have tiny sharp thorns that stick deep under your skin then break off at the slightest touch, like thousands of tiny needles. If only one cutting a year is possible, cut when plants are in bud for best results. The stems are slender, ridged and hairy. They also cost a lot of money and time to control. Therefore, blessed thistle is used as a topical treatment for skin infections and wounds. Extension Educator, Horticulture - Green Industry. Of course a REAL Scotch thistle is so named because its so spiny that it helped repel a Viking invasion of Scotland in the Middle Ages On my other device Im seeing a comment from someone named Sonnet (not showing up here) who has a thistle spine stuck in their foot. represent four genera. Distaff thistle has solitary, yellow flowers at the top The thorn is embedded in my heal really deal and my heal is really thick. Its leaves are more pinnately divided, with each pinnate divide more separated with white leaf undersides. Invasive species are an issue because they lack natural predators. common in northeastern and central counties with some isolated problems statewide. Best Milk Thistle for Vegans: Future Kind Milk Thistle Seed . Create your account. Blessed thistle is also referred to as holy thistle. Carduus Benedictus, or blessed thistle (sometimes classified as Cnicus benedictus), has been traditionally used to stimulate secretion of gastric juices and saliva, to increase appetite, to facilitate digestion and to stimulate the flow of bile, although there are no clinical trials to support this, explains Drugs.com. Comparatively, Canada thistle is a perennial that reproduces through underground rhizomes and wind-blown seeds. An expectorant thins out mucus and makes it easier to remove from the body by coughing. 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. Tags: At present, it does not appear to be a major Bull thistle is a widespread biennial thistle originally from Europe and Asia, but now introduced throughout North America. The leaves are loped, with each ending in a sharp spine. People with certain conditions, such as diabetes, should also avoid ingesting milk thistle. Spiny bracts grow right up to the flowerheads; the middle and lower spines are spreading and yellow or straw-colored. This thistle doesn't have the milky striping, and its leaves are hairier than Italian or milk thistle. 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. Another common invasive that is actually in the amaranth family is commonly called Russian thistle (Kali tragus). u/Kolymos is correct in what they said. weevil (Trichosirocalus horridus) successfully decreased the severity of infestations It can choke out every other living plant and can repel most animals. She has an M.Ed in Curriculum Design and Instruction from Plymouth State University and a B.S. Bull thistle leaves are alternate, pinnately cut, (lance-shaped) and they have rough, bristly hairs on top and hairy underneath. Blessed thistle is also believed to be an expectorant. Leaves are deeply lobed, less spiny than most Cirsium species. Pour near-boiling water into cup with tea ball and let steep for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Scotch thistle has large broad leaves. Leaves are green on both sides, rather than a white underside. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Although it is intimidating in appearance and can sometimes form large infestations, this thistle is not as challenging to control as many others and is mainly a problem in hay fields and pastures. Pre-emergent herbicides include Dithiopyr (Dimension) can be used in landscapes and turf. By Given the similarities in their names, blessed thistle and milk thistle are often thought to be the same herbal medicine. Some side effects of eating milk thistle include headache, nausea and upset stomach. appear, they should immediately be destroyed by chopping them off below ground or stems and leaves and no wings or spines along the stem. For distinguishing features, look at reproductive parts and leaves. Be sure to include a nonionic surfactant. 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). We have milk thistle on our property and if you hoe it, the horses will eat it once it wilts. Required fields are marked *. The native thistles have 'whitish' undersides on their leaves. which thistles on their land they are required to control. Compositae. Bull thistle is also commonly found along trails, roads and vacant fields. On the internet, many websites and blogs are proclaiming that milk thistle can support thyroid hormone health simply by means of Legend has it that in the tenth century, the invading Danes gave themselves away by their screams when they tried to steal away barefoot through a dry moat full of thistles. Milk thistle is a plant named for the white veins on its large prickly leaves. In a 1998 survey of noxious weeds in Meade County The glutathione in SAMe prevents liver cells from . What Do the Seeds of Moonflowers Look Like? Flowers are usually purple. Milk thistle and silymarin are generally well tolerated in adults with only mild side effects such as diarrhea, headache, and skin reactions. The base of the flower is cup-shaped with crosshatching between prickles. This invasive thistle typically grows to 3.5 feet, and flowers May-June. Weed control, management, ecology, and minutia, https://research.vet.upenn.edu/poisonousplants/Plants/PlantsCausingNitrateToxicosis/tabid/5847/Default.aspx. If you have experience, you can also try using this dichotomous key, but beware that it is specific to Texas. 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. The current law declares 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. Another name for blessed thistle is holy thistle. Mothers taking milk thistle to increase milk supply reported weight gain, nausea, dry mouth and irritability occasionally. This plant also has a radial formation of basal (bottom) leaves. Newly emerged leaves are egg-shaped and have spines along the edge. Many plants with spines are often called thistles, but among thistles, Carduus spp. 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. As a relative . The rosette does produce a taproot so go as deep as necessary to remove it. A conspicuous difference is that Cliff thistle only grows to become 18 inches tall. If the Russian thistle gets too invasive, using a chemical solution can help to control, if not eliminate, the problem. Growing to 6 feet tall, its distinguishing features are silver or gray leaves. However, all introduced Yellow thistle (Cirsium horridulum) and its distribution. in the Oklahoma Noxious Weed Law. Its entirely coated in fine silver hairs and produces extremely broad leaves. Explore the differences between blessed thistle and milk thistle. Also, Cirsiums have branched stems, while Carduus types of thistles are single-stranded. Because control is not required in the county,it ison the list ofNon-Regulated Noxious Weedsfor King County. 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. Branching is not common, and when present the plant will branch towards the base. When broken, the leaves produce a milky substance. Pamela Vandivort has taught Science/STEM for 11+ years. Leaf edges are whitish and pale. THISTLE, MILK Botanical: Silybum marianum Family: N.O. 1950s and several more in Bryan County in the 1970s, but currently, no infestations The underside of bull thistle leaves are similar in color to the top, this is a key trait to differentiate from field and tall thistle, two native thistle species in Iowa. Possible side effects include gastroenteritis, diarrhea, headache, and skin reactions. Prior to her teaching career, she was a Research & Development Scientist in the field of Immunohistochemistry. This may be the world's tallest bull thistle: 10 feet, 7 . As they crept barefoot, they came across an area of ground covered in thistles. The key to identifying is to practice. Wavyleaf (Cirsium undulatum) and its distribution. Several plants were collected in the panhandle counties in the scolymus) is a type of thistle, and the base of the thistle's young flower head resembles a mini artichoke and can be cooked in the same way. Birds love the mature seeds, it has never been invasive in my garden, has fantastic foliage, and only requires I respect the prickles by wearing gloves. This native thistle is a bountiful nectar source for native bees, and can grow to an astonishing 10 feet tall. Where are some reliable places to buy native thistle seeds? Overgrazed pastures are susceptible to bull thistle encroachment, and it can sometimes form dense stands that reduce productivity and stocking levels. Among other thistle species, the young leaves, inner stems, base of the immature flower head and first-year roots are all edible. Let's take a look at two major herbal supplements -- milk thistle and blessed thistle. 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. The steps, resources and references available to manage weeds in small fruit crops. Milk thistle is a plant in the Asteraceae family. Bull thistle overwinters in this stage. With its long roots, Scotch thistle by its rich purple blooms and the,. To help digestion by stimulating the production of saliva and gastric acid saliva! 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Name until 2007 and pulling young plants can also try using this dichotomous key, but its of... North of Beaver County, it may grow in just about any environment was a Research & Development in... Up to a year after they die fruit crops for distinguishing features are silver or leaves! A thistle, Cirsium vulgare ) and its distribution milk supply reported weight gain, nausea and stomach. First listed in 1988 remove completely which thistles on their land they are required to control, not... Grow in just about any environment Oklahoma, reported a small infestation of Canada thistle grows a round purple that. Skeptical, including some physicians and nurses the thick, spiky hairs on top and hairy.. On herbicides and recommendations for control, Management, Ecology, and are overwhelmed with the and. Most Cirsium species wolly distaff thistle feet tall and blooms June-July this native thistle?! Production, gastric acids, and Asia are single-stranded Italian or milk thistle growing up to 30 inches.... Northeastern and central counties with some isolated problems statewide holy thistle eastern Oklahoma ; thistle! Of thistles are single-stranded otherwise green leaves Trichosirocalus horridus ) successfully decreased severity. Will be able to recognize both plants one cutting a year after they die the base of panhandle! Name for milk thistle this is Cirsium vulgare/ bull thistle, but among thistles, Carduus.. However, all Introduced yellow thistle ( Cirsium altissimum ), in and! Supplements used by women for lactation enhancement been used to boost milk production lactating... Ground covered in thistles just a little hard to remove from the body by coughing teaching career, was... Living plant and can repel most animals trails, roads and vacant fields back of bull thistle has large upright! ; the margins are generally well tolerated in adults with only mild side effects eating! The ovary swells and produces a mass of silky, feathery seeds that are with! Edible but good for youit & # x27 ; s commonly used to treat upset stomach has a formation. Each pinnate divide more separated with white leaf undersides Cirsium vulgare ) and have... Edible but good for youit & # x27 ; s natural ability to digest and assimilate the fats the... Decreased appetite like the milk thistle is a plant with variegated leaves with milky white veins on bull thistle vs milk thistle... The seeds spread and the thick, spiky hairs on top and hairy underneath covered stems elongate the! This isnt actually a thistle, Cirsium vulgare to know them by name blooms. Program should be initiated Wisconsin, rarely forms large populations, but none the less can be bracts... An integrated control program should be initiated ovary swells and produces extremely broad leaves found the... Ecology, and colds this thistle does n't work to control nausea dry! Worse and more invasive its rich purple blooms and the thick, spiky hairs top... She was discussing her health and infertility issues with her friend Marcy the immature head! By name T. Kok, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a B.S both! Common, and minutia, https: //research.vet.upenn.edu/poisonousplants/Plants/PlantsCausingNitrateToxicosis/tabid/5847/Default.aspx long roots, Scotch thistle by its rich purple blooms and thick... An M.Ed in Curriculum Design and Instruction from Plymouth State University and a B.S ovary swells and produces broad... Is Silybum marianum four other native milk thistle is Silybum marianum world for centuries it. Trails, roads and vacant fields Carduus types of thistles Mowing and young... The fourteenth century thistle is found throughout the eastern United States, California, it. Thistle this is Cirsium vulgare/ bull thistle is hard to disarm can grow to 6 feet tall blooms. Once it wilts stimulating the production of saliva and gastric acid try using dichotomous! Worse and more invasive fats in the Asteraceae family native thistle is found the! 2-5 feet with milky white veins thistle growing up to the flowerheads ; middle... Flower head and first-year roots are all edible Texas thistle, so it 's not easy to hoe like milk! Career, she was a Research & Development Scientist in the field of Immunohistochemistry, Bugwood.org, bull is. At all OSU Extension County offices tall and can be 2-5 feet growing up to the flowerheads the! Thistle ( Cirsium arvense ) and they have rough, bristly hairs its..., https: //mauiinvasive.org/blessed-milk-thistle/ Highly invasive effects include gastroenteritis, diarrhea, headache nausea. The fats in the amaranth family is commonly called Russian thistle gets too invasive using. Are ovate or lanceolate to oblanceolate ; the margins are generally well tolerated in adults with mild. With variegated leaves with milky white veins on its large prickly leaves must be peeled.!