: a biennial Eurasian thistle (Cirsium vulgare) with purplish flower heads and prickly leaves that is naturalized as a weed in the U.S.
What is bull thistle used for?
The bull thistle plant was used by early humans as a warm medicinal tea . The roots were also used as an aid to digestion, and to treat stomach cramps. Steam from the warm tea was used to treat muscle stiffness and rheumatism.
Is Bull thistle the same as milk thistle?
While all thistles share similarities, only milk thistle has green and white marbled leaves. Both bull thistle and milk thistle have sharp, spiny bracts surrounding the flower head, but those found on bull thistle are smaller and denser.
Why is bull thistle a problem?
Why is bull thistle a problem? Bull thistle outcompetes native plants and desir- able wildlife. It invades most disturbed habitats such as pastures, roadsides and ditch banks, and grows in dense thickets. Bull thistle is an economic threat by reducing hay quality .
Is the bull thistle poisonous?
Bull thistle is a very dangerous plant . The sharp spines that cover virtually every surface of the stem, leaves and flower head can easily puncture and irritate skin.
Is thistle good for anything?
The active ingredient in milk thistle is called silymarin. Milk thistle is also known as Mary thistle or holy thistle. It is mainly used to treat liver problems , but some people claim it can lower cholesterol and help manage type 2 diabetes.
Is thistle poisonous to humans?
All thistles in the genus Cirsium, and the genus Carduus, are edible. Or said another way, there is no poisonous true thistle , but not all of them are palatable. ... The leaves are still edible if you strip them of spines as are the bottom of the flower buds, though the bud bottoms aren’t much more than a nibble.
How does bull thistle spread?
Bull thistle reproduces and spreads entirely from seeds . Under favorable conditions, plants can produce 100 to 300 seeds per flowerhead or more, with 1 to more than 400 flowerheads per plant. Seeds have a feathery pappus that detaches at maturity, so seeds usually do not travel great distances by wind.
What does thistle symbolize?
Like its rough exterior, the meaning of the flower is associated with aggressiveness, pain, protection and pride . Since thistle is defined as both a flower and a weed, the exact inference of the bloom can extend from less positive symbolism such as poverty and weakness all the way to qualities of might and brilliance.
How do you identify a bull thistle?
The foliage of bull thistle has stiff hairs on top and a woolly appearance on the bottom; while Canada thistle is smooth on top and either smooth or hairy on the underside. Bull thistle reproduces only from seeds which germinate in the spring. During the first growing season, the plant forms a rosette.
How do I permanently get rid of thistles?
Apply herbicides to kill thistle, especially in spring and fall, before thistles can flower and seed. Use glyphosate for your garden, and use a broad-leaf herbicide containing 2,4-D or MCPP for your lawn. Since glyphosate kills all plants, you must keep application specific.
How do you get rid of thistle in pastures?
Herbicides are often the most flexible and affordable option for thistle control in pastures. However, like mowing, timing is an important factor for many herbicides. Several commonly used pasture herbicides are highly effective on thistles if applied early in the growing season (Table 2).
Are all thistles noxious weeds?
There are the bad thistles — the musk thistle, the plumeless thistle and the Canada thistle, all with purplish flowers — which came from other countries without their natural predators to keep them in check. These have been designated as noxious weeds , which landowners are required to control.
What happens if you touch a thistle?
Thistles can be controlled by digging and cultivation. This method may be more difficult due to the fact they have hairs that cause a painful irritating sting and spread by underground stems. Thistles are a noxious weed and while not particularly poisonous they are harmful if touched or swallowed.
Can milk thistle hurt you?
Generally, it’s safe to take milk thistle in recommended doses . Some people have reported nausea, gas, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. Other people have reported a headache or itchiness after they take it. Milk thistle can cause an allergic reaction, especially if you’re allergic to other plants in the same family.
Is milk thistle safe to take?
Milk thistle is generally considered safe when taken by mouth ( 1 , 45 ). In fact, in studies where high doses were used for long periods, only about 1% of people experienced side effects ( 1 ). When reported, side effects for milk thistle are generally gut disturbances like diarrhea, nausea or bloating.
