Thistles of Nebraska

Description:

Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)

Origin: Eurasia

Life Span: Biennial or winter annual

Reproduction: by seeds that are larger than most other thistle seeds and distinctively wrinkled.

Leaves:

• gray to light green in color
• both the top and bottom surfaces are covered with short, dense hairs
• broad, coarsely lobed or toothed with spines at edges

Stems:

• broad, spiny "wings" extend from bases of leaves, along entire stem
• plants may be up to 10 feet tall

Flowers:

• violet to red in color
• tops of blooms may be flat
• bases of flower heads are covered with spines

Root:

• stout, fleshy taproot

Distribution:
Scotch thistle is found in rangeland, pastures, roadsides, and disturbed sites.

Weediness:
Scotch thistle is capable of forming stands so dense that livestock cannot pass through.

Restart thistle identification key