13 Native Weeds with Thistles

Thistles are some of the most common weeds that can turn into an invasive nightmare if not cared for properly. Check out these Weeds with Thistles to learn more about these plants.

Thistles are prickly leaves species of Cirsium, Onopordum, and Carduus, which feature dense heads of small, pink, or purple blooms. They can be invasive and non-invasive and sometimes turn into irritating weeds if not cared for properly.

However, these plants are important because Weeds with Thistles are a crucial part of the ecosystem and provide habit and food for various fauna. Weeds with Thistle contain nectar and pollen, which is incredibly valuable to pollinators like butterflies and bees. Many insects and songbirds like pine siskins, dark-eyed juncos, and chickadees also feed on thistle seeds.

Native thistles are extremely valuable since they support healthy populations of beneficial insects. These are killed unknowingly or sometimes out of intent since they are assumed to cause problems. However, Weeds with Thistles are in danger of eradication and must be protected.

Weeds with thistles can cause an infestation if left unchecked. For example, just 2 to 5 of these per square meter can diminish cereal yield by 15%.

Furthermore, thistles reduce harvesting efficiency, function as hosts for pathogenic organisms, harbor pests, and infect produce.

Thistles can be annual, biennial, or perennial. These are members of Asteraceae, the Sunflower Family, and are recognized by leaf margins covered in spines and their pink-purple flowers. Thistles have prickly leaves, dense heads of flowers, and spiny stems.

Fun Fact: The national emblem of Scotland is the Prickly Purple Thistle.

You can easily distinguish between Native and Non-Native thistles. If the