Scotch Thistle (Onopordum acanthium L.)

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  • A biennial weed that spreads by seed only
  • Grows up to 12 feet tall
  • Violet to reddish flowers are 1 to 2 inches in diameter
  • Stems have broad, spiny wings

Flower
(click for larger view)

Rosette
  • Plant has a grayish appearance and is very spiny
  • Grows in along roadsides and in waste places and disturbed soils
  • Dig, removing the top two inches of root prior to seed set
  • Chemical controls are available

    • Plant    		 Please click on any picture for a larger view.
    Large Plant


    Sue Donaldson
    University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
    5305 Mill St. Reno, NV 89502
    (775) 784-4848  Email: sue@washoeweeds.org

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