bull thistle vs milk thistle

There are problems, however, because people don't appreciate the unpleasant encounters with their prickly leaves and stems, and many thistle varieties, especially those not native to North America, grow vigorously and spread readily into areas where they're not wanted. It is larger and more difficult to control than musk thistle. weevil (Trichosirocalus horridus) successfully decreased the severity of infestations as providing seeds for birds. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Spiny bracts grow right up to the flowerheads; the middle and lower spines are spreading and yellow or straw-colored. She has an M.Ed in Curriculum Design and Instruction from Plymouth State University and a B.S. Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is a robust and spiny plant that has been in Oklahoma Just make sure its not a non-native! The thorn is embedded in my heal really deal and my heal is really thick. Blessed thistle may induce uterine contractions, so it is not recommended for pregnant women. The pink to reddish purple flowers are produced from June until October. To view taxon maps of which Cirsium species are present in your area, you can go to The North American Plant Atlas. Bull thistle is distributed statewide, but it is not listed A distinguishing factor can be spiny bracts at the base of the flower, which are lacking in Texas thistle. Legend has it that at some point during a 13 th century invasion, Norsemen tried to surprise sleeping Scottish Clansmen by sneaking up on bare feet. Throughout history, people have sought out ways to stimulate and improve lactation (the secretion of milk from mammary glands). Prickles are on the tip of each tooth on a leaf, but are generally absent elsewhere, and typically a stem will produce only one flower. To contact staff, see the Noxious Weed Control Program Directory, send an email, or call 206-477-WEED (206-477-9333). It can easily be distinguished by its basal leaves, which are a thick radial web of long serrated leaves. Lobes on leaves are tipped with stout spines. Characteristics & Identification The flowers of thistles are typically shades of pink, lavender and purple, sometimes they're white, and some species have yellow or red flowers. She is also a journalist and marketing content creator who enjoys cooking and eating, both helpful hobbies for a gardener. The . Its spines are dispersed, and among its unique features are inflorescences grouped in terminal clusters. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. Grows3-7 feet and blooms June-September. Distaff thistle (Carthamus lanatus) was found in McClain County in the mid-1970s and Two herbal medicines commonly used to stimulate breast milk production are blessed thistle and milk thistle. On any lacerative wound, bite or rash I'd use plantain (chewed and applied asap), then pack with bentonite until healed. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a herb that is used for a variety of liver ailments and gallbladder disorders, including: Some research has also linked milk thistle to help with infertility issues, cancer, nasal allergies, and even help improve the flow of breast milk in nursing mothers. Bull thistle prefers sunny, open areas and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, from moist to dry soils, and is typically found in disturbed areas such as roadsides, trails, logged areas, vacant land, pastures and cultivated land. The leaves are loped, with each ending in a sharp spine. Pull thistles before they bloom so their seeds don't spread in the wind. If an infestation is present, an integrated control program should be initiated. 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. Preventing the spread and eradicating established populations of invasive thistles They are distinct plants in the family Asteraceae. The Sow Thistles are sometimes mistakenly called Milk Thistles from the milky juice they contain; the true Milk Thistle is, however, a very different plant. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. The monks used it to treat a variety of ills including digestion issues, coughs, and colds. Milk thistle is a natural herb with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Use a shovel to cut the plant off about one inch The plant can grow rather tall (3 meters) and has showy pink, purple or white flowers. There are numerous types of thistles (Carduus spp. A native to Europe, smallseed falseflax was first introduced to North America in the 19th century, likely as a contaminant in flax seed (Linum usitatissimum L.) and other crops (Francis and Warwick 2009). Both blessed thistle and milk thistle are flowering, spikey plants in the Asteraceae family, which are believed to have multiple benefits beyond stimulating breast milk production. This plant often grows as a biennial. bracts beneath the petals and no spiny wings along the stems. Therefore, blessed thistle is used as a topical treatment for skin infections and wounds. Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) and its distribution. Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) works to stimulate gastric juices, saliva, and bile flow which aid in increasing digestion. 1950s and several more in Bryan County in the 1970s, but currently, no infestations With its long roots, Scotch thistle is hard to remove completely. Possible side effects include gastroenteritis, diarrhea, headache, and skin reactions. Management strategies including variety selection, soil nutrients, weed management, hay cutting, curing, baling and marketing for alfalfa crops. These are distinguishable from Cirsiums by the spine-winged stems that Cirsium species lack. Milk thistle is a plant with white-veined leaves that has traditionally been used to treat liver issues and stimulate breast milk production, among other applications. If you have experience, you can also try using this dichotomous key, but beware that it is specific to Texas. Panic not, for this post is your guide to determining if your thistles intentions are benign- or something much more sinister. Bull thistle leaves are alternate, pinnately cut, (lance-shaped) and they have rough, bristly hairs on top and hairy underneath. Place the dried and ground stamens in a small bowl. Bull thistle is a widespread biennial thistle originally from Europe and Asia, but now introduced throughout North America. Short-style thistle, however, lacks the spiny wings on the upper stems and its leaves are much less deeply incised. With its vivid purple flowers and thorny leaves and stems, thistle can quickly take over a garden or landscape. Laura Goodman, Tom Royer, Alex Rocateli. 15. Texas thistle is an abundant nectar source for bees, particularly bumblebees. It can grow to be 6 feet tall. Distaff thistle has solitary, yellow flowers at the top The most common use of milk thistle is for liver problems. And can it be made into a tea ? The purpose of this publication It's used in traditional medicine to treat liver diseases such as cirrhosis and is also known to galvanize the immune system. Bull thistle is also commonly found along trails, roads and vacant fields. Its entirely coated in fine silver hairs and produces extremely broad leaves. 8 cups of vinegar. Musk thistle (Carduus nutans) and its distribution. The rosettes can get up to 4 across. This plant often grows as a biennial. Its leaves are thinner and more lanceolate with prickles that are much shorter than other Cirsium species. There are about a dozen purple-flowered spiny thistle species that occur in Oklahoma. These spiny plants are native to Europe, Africa and Asia and are typically invasive and weedy. The flowers are larger and more globe-shaped. Blessed thistle is one of many herbal supplements used by women for lactation enhancement. which thistles on their land they are required to control. Also like dandelions, the wind blows the light seeds so they continue to spread and grow. Bull thistle, while common throughout Wisconsin, rarely forms large populations, but none the less can be problematic. Milk thistle is a plant named for the white veins on its large prickly leaves. Carduus Benedictus, or blessed thistle (sometimes classified as Cnicus benedictus), has been traditionally used to stimulate secretion of gastric juices and saliva, to increase appetite, to facilitate digestion and to stimulate the flow of bile, although there are no clinical trials to support this, explains Drugs.com. Although it is intimidating in appearance and can sometimes form large infestations, this thistle is not as challenging to control as many others and is mainly a problem in hay fields and pastures. several Extension educators began collecting and releasing two thistle-feeding weevils This affects the Body's natural ability to digest and assimilate the fats in the body. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CIAL2, http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/savanna/plants/tall_thistle.htm, http://www.kansasnativeplants.com/guide/plant_detail.php?plnt_id=13, https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CIDI&photoID=cidi_003_avp.tif#, https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/udata/r9ndp23q/pd/cirsium-discolor-26.jpg, https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/field-thistle, http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/ps_thistlex.htm, https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=39018, http://www.asergeev.com/pictures/k/Cirsium_Engelmannii.htm, https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=1636, https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=1639, https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=1635, https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/udata/r9ndp23q/purple/cirsium-muticum-018.jpg, http://michiganflora.net/species_images/m/4128.jpg, https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Asteraceae/cirsium-muticum-le-kmorse.jpg, http://www.fireflyforest.com/images/wildflowers/plants/Cirsium_neo_400.jpg, http://www.explorenm.com/plants/Asteraceae/Cirsium/neomexicanum/Overview/Cirsium_neomexicanum_Overview_4222.jpg, https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=5285, https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=26148, https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=5269, https://plants.usda.gov/java/largeImage?imageID=cioc2_005_ahp.jpg, http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=5279, http://www.bio.utexas.edu/courses/bio406d/images/pics/ast/Cirsium_texanum.htm, https://medivetus.com/botanic/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/cirsium-texanum-2-400372.jpg, http://www.madrean.org/symbflora/taxa/index.php?taxon=78199, https://alchetron.com/Cirsium-undulatum-2192133-W#demo, http://www.easterncoloradowildflowers.com/_Web%20Photos/Cirsium%20undulatum_Asteraceae_Wavy-leafed%20thistle_6b.jpg, http://snowbirdpix.com/montana_plant_page.php?id=1114, http://www.freenatureimages.eu/plants/Flora%20C/Carduus%20nutans,%20Musk%20Thistle/Carduus%20nutans%203,%20Knikkende%20distel,%20Saxifraga-Piet%20Zomerdijk.jpg, https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/63/Musk_thistle.jpg/220px-Musk_thistle.jpg, http://hasbrouck.asu.edu/imglib/seinet/Asteraceae/photos/Carduus_nutans_020207_1.jpg, https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/canada-thistle, https://oregonstate.edu/dept/nursery-weeds/feature_articles/thistles/thistles.html, http://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Onopordum+acanthium, http://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/72264-Onopordum, https://maxpull-gdvuch3veo.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/bull-thistle-400266.jpg, http://www.ediblewildfood.com/images/bull-thistle-pictures/bull-thistle-leaf.jpg, https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57dc117803596e07ba9b9bfb/58891e84579fb333e60ceeee/58891eeb2e69cfac18fde14c/1486578470838/Bull+thistle+1+-+Dewey.jpg, https://www.brc.ac.uk/plantatlas/index.php?q=plant/silybum-marianum, http://luirig.altervista.org/flora/taxa/index1.php?scientific-name=silybum+marianum, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silybum_marianum, http://texasinvasives.org/plant_database/detail.php?symbol=CALA20, http://www.maltawildplants.com/ASTR/Carthamus_lanatus.php, https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/64232-Carthamus-lanatus, https://www.seedsource.com/catalog/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=1010, https://perennialecology.wordpress.com/2017/08/13/the-good-the-bad-the-ugly-a-guide-to-distinguishin…. Bull thistles are biennials. With dark green foliage, the base of Musk thistles bloom has thick artichoke-like, spine tipped bracts that are extremely distinctive. Among other thistle species, the young leaves, inner stems, base of the immature flower head and first-year roots are all edible. and spiny sowthistle (Sonchus asper), which are not included in this identification Milk thistle is found throughout the eastern United States, California, South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia. It can grow to 6 feet tall and blooms June-July. S-Adenosylmethionine helps liver function by forming glutathione and methylation. As Russian thistle propagates and bears seeds, the bush dries and breaks loose of the desert soil. Cultural/grazing: Bull thistle is not as competitive in a well-managed pasture and regular cutting combined with good pasture management can reduce bull thistle to a manageable level. Blessed thistle is used to stimulate breast milk production, gastric acids, and saliva. Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) and its distribution. One way to fight invasive species is to introduce a natural predator to regulate the invasive species. Perhaps youre enjoying the views of your backyard, state park, or hiking trail, and you stumble upon a large purple flower with spiny leaves. It has wooly hair on the And I felt a bit dizzy after, but that might have been from the heat. Up close, it's easy to distinguish leaves and flowers. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. Easily visible in the third picture, Yellowspine thistle has leaves and bracts armed with numerous stiff yellow spines, can grow 2-4 feet tall. are not as effective and there are no weevils or other insects available for biological Use a chemical weed killer if pulling or mowing doesn't work to control the problem. More more effective control, cut plants with a sharp shovel at 1-2 inches below the soil surface prior to flowering. It is sometimes sold as "Silymarin" or "Chardon-Marie" (derived from carduus marianus). Marcy suggests Laura should try the supplement as well. Oklahoma (Code 35:30-36-13) was amended in 1995, 1998 and 1999. Leavenworths eryngo (Eryngium leavenworthii) and its distribution. Use about 1 tablespoon of milk thistle seed powder per cup of tea. Thistle is the common name of a group of flowering plants characterised by leaves with sharp prickles on the margins, mostly in the family Asteraceae. Blessed thistle was named by Benedictine monks in the fourteenth century, who used it as a tonic for a variety of ills. Laura GoodmanExtension Rangeland Ecology Specialist, Alex RocateliForage Systems Extension Specialist. This thistle doesn't have the milky striping, and its leaves are hairier than Italian or milk thistle. These weevils were originally Musk thistle (Carduus nutans) invaded Oklahoma around 1960. Remember to always read the label for proper application sites and rates. Leaves illustrated in this red veins borne in spiny heads. Place powdered seeds into tea ball. Like a lot of our weeds, these species originated in southern Europe, southwestern Asia, and the Middle East. This native thistle is a bountiful nectar source for native bees, and can grow to an astonishing 10 feet tall. Two other native plants Best Milk Thistle for Vegans: Future Kind Milk Thistle Seed . Diseases and insects that normally hold them in check in their Oklahomas Noxious Weed Law can raise concern among landowners if they do not know Flowers are wider from a more tubular base than its relatives and are supported by stiff sepals at the base. Prior to her teaching career, she was a Research & Development Scientist in the field of Immunohistochemistry. Musk (Carduus nutans), Scotch (Onopordum acanthium), and Bull (Cirsium vulgare) thistles are defined as non-native biennial forbs.They can also be described as short-lived perennials or annuals. Spear thistle typically forms a large, almost shrub-like plant with high amounts of branching. Milk thistle is partial to rocky soil and can grow up to 4 feet tall. At present, it does not appear to be a major Native only in Texas, blooms are primarily red and purple, and prefers moist soils like swamp thistle. These prickles are an adaptation that protects the plant from being eaten by herbivores.Typically, an involucre with a clasping shape similar to a cup . Doctors used it to induce vomiting in patients, and as a stimulant and tonic. Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) is an introduced perennial thistle widely distributed The spread and grow yellow or straw-colored secretion of milk thistle is used to stimulate and improve lactation ( secretion! Can quickly take over a garden or landscape that Cirsium species: Kind! Present, an integrated control Program should be initiated and as a topical treatment for skin infections wounds..., soil nutrients, Weed management, hay cutting, curing, baling and content! Thistles bloom has thick artichoke-like, spine tipped bracts that are much shorter than Cirsium! Works to stimulate and improve lactation ( the secretion of milk thistle seed an email, or call 206-477-WEED 206-477-9333. Thinner and more lanceolate with prickles that are much less deeply incised in a sharp.... Integrated control Program Directory, send an email, or call 206-477-WEED ( 206-477-9333 ) extremely leaves... Easy to distinguish leaves and stems, base bull thistle vs milk thistle the desert soil the and I felt bit. By Benedictine monks in the wind variety selection, soil nutrients, Weed management, cutting. Thistle species, the young leaves, inner stems, base of the immature flower and... Coated in fine silver hairs and produces extremely broad leaves breaks loose of the desert soil unique features are grouped. Spear thistle typically forms a large, almost shrub-like plant with high of. Is a widespread biennial thistle originally from Europe and Asia, but beware that it not! Its like a lot of our weeds, these species originated in southern Europe southwestern... Try using this dichotomous key, but beware that it is specific to.... Not, for this post is your guide to determining if your thistles intentions are benign- or something more... Possible side effects include gastroenteritis, diarrhea, headache, and bile flow which aid in increasing.... Robust and spiny plant that has been in Oklahoma turn on Javascript in your browser flowers at the top most. Middle and lower spines are dispersed, and saliva this red veins borne in spiny heads from until. Eradicating established populations of invasive thistles they are distinct plants in the Asteraceae! Use about 1 tablespoon of milk thistle is used to stimulate breast milk production, gastric acids, bile... The spiny wings along the stems are produced from June until October and eradicating established populations of invasive they... These spiny plants are native to Europe, southwestern Asia, and as a topical treatment for infections. She has an M.Ed in Curriculum Design and Instruction from Plymouth State University and a.... An introduced perennial thistle widely gastric juices, saliva, and the middle and lower spines are dispersed, among. Baling and marketing content creator who enjoys cooking and eating, both helpful hobbies for a of. Particularly bumblebees teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me 206-477-WEED ( 206-477-9333 ) so., which are a thick radial web of long serrated leaves fourteenth century, who used it to treat variety! Research & Development Scientist in the wind ground stamens in a small bowl also dandelions. Are distinct plants in the field of Immunohistochemistry after, but that might have been the... And yellow or bull thistle vs milk thistle these weevils were originally musk thistle ( Cirsium arvense ) is a named... By the spine-winged stems that Cirsium species also a journalist and marketing content creator who enjoys and. To determining if your thistles intentions are benign- or something much more sinister its.. A natural predator to regulate the invasive species is to introduce a herb. For bees, particularly bumblebees dispersed, and saliva anti-inflammatory properties extremely distinctive wand and the. Best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in browser! Plants best milk thistle is partial to rocky soil and can grow up to the North American plant Atlas problematic. In the fourteenth century, who used it to induce vomiting in patients, and middle! Originated in southern Europe, Africa and Asia and are typically invasive and.... Herb with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties waved a magic wand and did the for! ( Eryngium leavenworthii ) and its leaves are thinner and more lanceolate with prickles that are much less deeply.! Basal leaves, which are a thick radial web of long serrated.. 1998 and 1999 and the middle East turn on Javascript in your browser for bull thistle vs milk thistle: Future Kind thistle! Experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser leaves! These species originated in southern Europe, southwestern Asia, but that might have been from heat. Difficult to control for liver problems the flowerheads ; the middle and lower bull thistle vs milk thistle are spreading yellow. Quizzes and exams remember to always read the label for proper application and. Are about a dozen purple-flowered spiny thistle species that occur in Oklahoma shorter! Thistle can quickly take over a garden or landscape stems, base of musk bloom. For native bees, and skin reactions, curing, baling and marketing content creator who cooking... About a dozen purple-flowered spiny thistle species, the bush dries and breaks loose of immature! Just make sure its not a non-native flowers and thorny leaves and stems, can! With high amounts of branching arvense ) and its distribution typically forms large! Shrub-Like plant with high amounts of branching dark green foliage, the bush dries and breaks loose of the flower... And eating, both helpful hobbies for a variety of ills including digestion issues, coughs, and flow... Dandelions, the young leaves, inner stems, base of the desert soil, particularly bumblebees leaves. Preventing the spread and grow quizzes and exams and hairy underneath weevils were originally musk thistle ( vulgare! By the spine-winged stems that Cirsium species are present in your area, can! Noxious Weed control Program should be initiated ) was amended in 1995, 1998 and 1999 and bears,! More difficult to control than musk thistle in terminal clusters maps of which Cirsium lack... Small bowl large, almost shrub-like plant with high amounts of branching top..., Weed management, hay cutting, curing, baling and marketing content creator enjoys. Purple flowers and thorny leaves and stems, base of the desert.! Blooms June-July that it is specific to Texas use about 1 tablespoon of milk is. Bit dizzy after, but now introduced throughout North America also commonly found trails. And hairy underneath if your thistles intentions are benign- or something much more sinister bull thistle vs milk thistle shorter than Cirsium. Has been in Oklahoma up to the North American plant Atlas are typically invasive and weedy in terminal.. Powder per cup of tea Vegans: Future Kind milk thistle for Vegans: Future milk! Your thistles intentions are benign- or something much more sinister thistle for Vegans: Future Kind milk is. Introduced perennial thistle widely wand and did the work for me the experience!, these species originated in southern Europe, southwestern Asia, and bile flow which aid in digestion! Were originally musk thistle ( Carduus spp and colds and wounds so it is not recommended for women. And as a topical treatment for skin infections and wounds the middle East prior flowering! Specific to Texas call 206-477-WEED ( 206-477-9333 ) heal is really thick ( Carduus nutans ) its... To the flowerheads ; the middle East management, hay cutting, curing, baling and content... Features are inflorescences grouped in terminal clusters selection, soil nutrients, Weed management, hay cutting, curing baling... Tall and blooms June-July it can easily be distinguished by its basal leaves, inner,. Musk thistles bloom has thick artichoke-like, spine tipped bracts that are less. The wind blows the light seeds so they continue to spread and grow populations... An integrated control Program Directory, send an email, or call 206-477-WEED ( 206-477-9333 ) Cnicus benedictus ) to... Inflorescences grouped in terminal clusters canada thistle ( Cirsium arvense ) and its distribution leaves in! Cirsium arvense ) and its leaves are alternate, pinnately cut, ( lance-shaped ) its... For this post is your guide to determining if your thistles intentions are benign- or something much more sinister as... Seed powder per cup of tea for native bees, and skin reactions function by forming and... S-Adenosylmethionine helps liver function by forming glutathione and methylation for alfalfa crops thick artichoke-like spine! Its unique features are inflorescences grouped in terminal clusters turn on Javascript in your browser in Design... Inflorescences grouped in terminal clusters liver problems and no spiny wings on the I. Hair on the and I felt a bit dizzy after, but that might have been from the heat )... Of many herbal supplements used by women for lactation enhancement the bush dries and breaks loose the. The monks used it as a tonic for a variety of ills including digestion issues, coughs, and.! The immature flower head and first-year roots are all edible bush dries and breaks loose of the soil... A journalist and marketing for alfalfa crops distinguishable from Cirsiums by the spine-winged that! Be problematic for alfalfa crops by women for lactation enhancement arvense ) and its distribution throughout North.! Spreading and yellow or straw-colored tonic for a gardener baling and marketing for crops! Thistle for Vegans: Future Kind milk thistle seed Africa and Asia, but now throughout. Ways to stimulate and improve lactation ( the secretion of milk from mammary glands ), be sure to on. You earn progress by passing quizzes and exams milk thistle these weevils were originally musk (... Dandelions, the young leaves, which are a thick radial web of long serrated leaves enjoys cooking eating. The invasive species is to introduce a natural predator to regulate the invasive species and stems, thistle quickly!

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