Applied several sets of native wildflower seed last two springs in our front yard area between the existing plants, and trying to figure out whether some of what's growing was in the mix or are weeds. In particular, I have a handful of these tall, prickly plants shooting up. My instinct tells me they are some form of thistle weed but I wanted to check with the group first before yanking. Zone 6a. Thanks in advance!!
by jdmason
24 Comments
Both. Thistle. It will grow a flower. And stab you!
Weeds are only plants you don’t want there.
Looks like Canada thistle. Unfortunately it is an invasive species (if you’re in the US) and is difficult to get rid of. Try and pull up as much of the root as you can.
I purchased a sack of ‘Pollinator Wildflower Seeds’ and have picked out several invasive weeds from the lot, most prevalent being Japanese Hops so far. If I had a thistle or two I would not mind, actually. They flower, feed bees, and I kinda like the danger thorns they bring into the picture. At least the deer will leave them alone!
If all you want is thistle, leave it alone & that’s what you’ll get. Otherwise, terminate – with extreme prejudice.
Thistle
Get rid of it immediately
Thistle. There are some native thistles that are beneficial but you need to identify if it’s good or not. In my experience, mostly not. And if you can’t for certain identify as good, get rid of it.
Thistle! My husband and I noticed our yard was FULL of it a few summers ago which was a big problem for our pups’ paws! We wondered where on earth did all this come from and realized our suet block bird seed had thistle seeds so we basically planted it ourselves lol you live and learn
If the leaf underside is white it is a native thistle. Butterflies are especially attracted to this native thistle and some birds. Goldfinches often delay their breeding season until thistles have produced their downy seed, ensuring both nesting material and a food source for their chicks.
Check the underside of the leaf. If it’s not white then control it.
Looks like thistle, to get rid of i would wear gloves and bend it over at the base, them pull up slowly from the base to get the root out.
Spikes is generally where I draw the line unless it’s somewhere that I don’t want people to go. Like ever and so far there is no location on my personal property that I feel this way about
I’ve always been of the mindset that no plants are weeds. A weed is just a plant growing somewhere you don’t want it to. EXCEPT FOR THIS. BURN IT!
Weed (to me)
there are introduced and native kinds of thistle. you should research the seed mixes you planted to see if the plants are native to your region. [here ](https://plants.usda.gov/plant-profile/CIRSI/subordinate-taxa)is thistle to start. [https://plants.usda.gov](https://plants.usda.gov) has search tools for counties and provinces throughout north America. you can search by genus, family, growth habit, and native status.
Get rid of it. Like asap. DO NOT LET THE FLOWER BUDS OPEN.
Beautiful nasty plant. Kill kill kill
Weeds are wildflowers 😅
The only things I consider weeds make me go “ouch!”. If it’s any more pokey than a rose, it’s gotta go.
Get that out before it spreads. I had it at my first house I purchased, it was a nightmare to remove.
Weed, and an awful one. Get somw good leather gloves and pull them quick before they go to seed. They have long tap roots so soak the area first.
Life lesson #293.
I let one grow last year and it got to be about 2m/6feet. It flowered like mad and the bees loved it. My other half warned that I’d regret it l. And now I regret it as it’s growing everywhere.
If you do let it grow- be vigilant and do not let the seeds form once the flowers go over. Heed my words as it is too late for me.
Thistle’s a bitch! They freaking hurt!
Best plant for butter my and bées rare nectar