How do we know what kind of thistle it is? There
are many varieties of thistle. There are Russian, creeping,
variegated, yellow star, Canada, bull, saffron, Scotch, Californian, and musk
thistle - to name a few. Then there are three varieties of sow
thistle
(spiny, annual and perennial). By comparing the leaves, growth habits and
flowers, we believe we have at least 2-3 varieties of
thistle. Possibly two varieties of sow thistle.
Whatever the variety is, thistle is a pain to deal with. You let it go to seed one
year, and you'll spend ten
years trying to control the resulting plants.
Annual sow-thistle
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Perennial, creeping sow-thistle
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Annual, spiny sow-thistle
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Because annual
sow thistle blooms from June right through to early October, the loose
clusters of small, yellow, dandelion-like flowers are a useful clue for
recognizing this plant. Mature plants grow to abotu 3 feet in
height with a
single upright stem that branches only near the top. Leaves are deeply
lobed and those close to the bottom end in a large pointed segment.
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Perennial
sow thistle can be differentiated from annual sow-thistle as it will
be the first to emerge in the spring and will have an extensive creeping
underground root system. The leaves of perennial sow-thistle are also not
as deeply lobed as annual sow-thistle.
-
Spiny
annual sow thistle can be differentiated from annual sow-thistle by
its dark green leaves with purplish margins. The leaves of spiny annual
sow-thistle also look and feel extremely waxy. Spiny annual sow-thistle
is also more "spiny" or "prickly" to the touch versus annual sow-thistle.
Lastly, spiny annual sow-thistle has leaves which have rounded basal lobes
that clasp around the stem
- Each plant produces about 6,000 seeds which remain
viable for several years. The tall stalks and lightweight, parachute-like
seeds promote dispersal by wind. Seeds can also be spread by water and
by birds and animals when seeds are attached to
feathers or fur.
- The key to controlling this plant in the gardens
is to keep it from going to seed and pulling seedlings wherever you see
them.
History: Sow thistle is native
to Eurasia and tropical Africa. Sow thistle is also known as "hare
thistle" or "hare lettuce" because rabbits enjoy eating it. Sow thistle is
fed to livestock and is edible by humans as a salad green when the leaves are
young. Older leaves become bitter tasting, but when cooked the taste is
similar to chard. (from:
Celtnet Recipes) |
