Milk thistle, a regulated Class A noxious weed, is a toxic, branching winter annual or biennial that grows 2-6 feet tall in disturbed areas, such as pastures, roadsides, ditches, and fencerows .
Where is milk thistle found?
Milk thistle is native to Europe and was introduced into North America by early colonists. Milk thistle is found throughout the eastern United States, California, South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia. The terms “milk thistle” and “silymarin” are often used interchangeably.
Does milk thistle grow in the US?
While safe for humans to eat, milk thistle is considered toxic to livestock, which is bad, as it often grows in pastures and is hard to get rid of. It is also not native to North America and considered highly invasive.
Where does milk thistle grow best?
The milk thistle’s purple flowers sit on top of spiky heads, and it is also known for its bright green foliage with white marbling (which is what give the plant it’s milky moniker). The Mediterranean native plant is particularly fond of growing in rocky, dry regions .
Is it illegal to grow milk thistle?
In the past it was grown for medicinal use and is still occasionally found in gardens. However, it is illegal to sell or buy milk thistle in Washington State and all existing plantings have to be removed, since milk thistle is a Class A Noxious Weed.
How long does it take for milk thistle to start working?
How Long Does Milk Thistle Take to Work. There isn’t an exact science behind this, but generally it can take around 3 to 4 months before someone will see any benefits of milk thistle on their health, and this is after daily intake of some form of milk thistle.
Can milk thistle reverse liver damage?
Milk thistle will not reverse existing liver damage , and it will not cure infection with the hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus. Milk thistle should not be used by people who have complications from cirrhosis (such as variceal bleeding or ascites).
Is milk thistle poisonous to humans?
Q: Is milk thistle poisonous? A: No. In fact, it’s edible .
Can I take milk thistle every day?
Is Milk Thistle Safe? 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 ).
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.
Does milk thistle attract butterflies?
Does milk thistle attract butterflies and other pollinators? Milk thistle is incredibly popular with pollinators, especially bees and various pollinating fly species like syrphid flies. ... Skippers and butterflies also frequent milk thistle flowers . Milk thistle flowers are quite popular with honeybees.
Is milk thistle invasive?
Like many other invasive species, milk thistle will form dense patches that outcompete native plants for moisture, sunlight, and nutrients. One of the worst things about milk thistle invasion is that it accumulates nitrates and can poison cattle and sheep.
Is milk thistle good for your kidneys?
Milk thistle (Silymarin marianum) is a well-known herbal therapeutic commonly used for liver support. It supports detoxification through enhancing liver as well as kidney and pancreatic function .
Does milk thistle grow wild?
Milk thistle is a stout, biennial or annual plant that grows up to one metre tall and has a branched, stem. This wild edible takes two years to complete the growing cycle. It is best known as having a unique shaped flower and leaves that are somewhat prickly to the touch if not careful.
Where should I plant thistle?
Starting Globe Thistle Seeds Outdoors
Outdoors, once soil temperatures have warmed, start globe thistle seeds after the last frost. Choose a growing location with full sun exposure and fast-draining soil.
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.
