Description: Bull thistle is a biennial reproducing
by seeds. The taproot is fleshy. The stem is stout,
erect, branching, hairy, and leafy. The flowering stalks attain a height
of 3 to 6 feet. The leaves extend down the stem in spiny wings. The
first year rosette has green leaves which are slightly indented, lance-shaped,
and are wooly and grayish on the underside. The second year leaves are
coarsely lobed, short and broad. Each triangular lance-shaped lobe has
3 or 4 points, which end in a sharp, long, stout, yellow spine. Numerous
shorter spines are between the point spines. The upper surface of the
leaf has short, stiff hairs and spines, and the underneath is covered
with woolly gray hairs. The oval-shaped buds produce small to medium
sized purple flowers on ends of the branches. The flower bracts are
slightly hairy and tipped with a long, sharp spine. Seeds are light,
straw covered, oblong, flattened, and curved. They are tipped with a
long, white hairy plume. The plant flowers in August and September,
and matures seed in September and October.
Distribution: Bull Thistle was introduced from Eurasia into the
United States and has since become an important
pest of pastures, waste places, and roadsides. Seed is spread by wind,
and also carried by equipment, animals, and humans.
What’s The Problem?: The problem is that bull thistle
can take over pastures, roadsides, etc., and impact farm fields. This
plant competes vigorously with other plants for light, moisture, and
nutrients. The sharp spines are painful if contacted, and the plentiful
seed is easily spread into new areas.
Management Methods: Because this plant is a biennial (requires
2 years for seed production), regular mowing
may control this weed. Hand pulling can be effective if the large taproot
is cut or removed. Careful use of spot applied herbicides can help
reduce infestations of Bull Thistle. Bull Thistle is more susceptible
to herbicides in rosette and actively growing stages.
Photo couresy of Weeds of Nebraska and the Great Plains published by Nebraska Department of Agriculture