Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense)

About Canada Thistle:

Canada thistle produces by both seeding and also by root regeneration. This weed grows in soils that have high moisture content. This plant has a height range of between 1 and 4 feet. This weed grows in small to large patches within fields.

Family: Composite or Aster Family

Canada Thistle Scouting and Prevention:

Weed counts across fields can help determine whether or not you have this type of weed. This specific type of weed grows in patches, and is known to occur near the outskirts of the field. Tillage can help prevent Canada thistle in some cases, if it is done early enough.

Canada Thistle Control:

Mowing can be an effective tool to control Canada thistle, but not on its own. Mowing combined with a herbicide will be effective to controlling this weed. Mowing alone can cause the Canada thistle to reproduce more than usual, or increase the rate at which it reproduces. Tillage in late fall can help eliminate some of the roots, which in turn will help reduce the number of weeds by a percentage.

Latin / Alternative Canada Thistle Names:

• - Chardon des Champs
• - Canadian thistle
• - Creeping Thistle
• - Field Thistle
• - Chardon du Canada

Additional Canada Thistle Resources: