Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium, Inc.

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Canada Thistle

Canada Thistle

Canada Thistle

(Cirsium arvense)

Herbaceous perennial, 2-6.5’ tall with upright, grooved stems that branch near the top of the plant. The stems are hairy.

Other names for this plant include:

  • Common names: creeping thistle, field thistle, perennial thistle
  • Scientific names: Carduus arvensis; Cirsium incanum

Ecological threat:

  • It invades undisturbed areas such as prairies, savannas, glades, dunes, streambanks, sedge meadows and forest openings. It also invades croplands, pastures, lawns, gardens, roadsides, ditches and waste sites.
  • Once it has established it spreads quickly, forming monocultures.