Woolly Distaff Thistle
Carthamus lanatus
Plant Description
Woolly distaff thistle is an erect winter annual with rigid stems. It flowers from July through August. It grows up to 3½ feet tall, has spiny pointed leaves that are alternate. The flower head has many long, sharp leaf-like bracts just below the yellow flowers. The rigid stems with old flower heads and leaves often persist through winter and often longer.
Plant Details
| Life Forms | |
|---|---|
| Habitats | |
| ODA Listing | |
| Soil and Moisture Conditions | |
| Suggested Actions | |
| Shade Preference | |
| Mature Height | 3-4' |
| Distribution | Found sporadically along the west coast. |
| Control | Mow to prevent seed heads. Dig out roots or apply herbicides for a more sucessful removal, but must be maintained. |
| Disposal Methods | Remove seed heads and bag. Bag and throw away plants when dug out. |
| Reproduction and Spread | Spread through Waterways and hay crops. |
| Introduced | Discovered in Oregon in1987 |
| Look Alikes | Smooth distaff thisthle |
| Impact | Unable to be grazed, this species overtakes grasses and outcompetes more palitable species. |
| More Info |
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