Found in:

• Prairie plantings and lawns

Characteristics:

• Perennial that grows to 4’ tall
• Upright stems are grooved, slightly hairy when young, increasingly hairy as they mature, and branched at the top
• Leaves have crinkled edges, spiny margins, and are somewhat lobed
• Flower heads are numerous, compact, and 3/4” or less in diameter; flowers June through Sept.
• Flowers are reddish-purple to purple and are surrounded by bracts without spiny tips
• Root system has underground stems (rhizomes)

Significance:

• Minnesota Primary Noxious Weed that spreads rapidly and aggressively from the extensive root and rhizome system and by seed

Plants that look similar:

• Bull Thistle
• Musk Thistle
• Plumeless Thistle

More information and control options for Canada Thistle...