Scientific Name

Cirsium arvense

Common Name

Creeping Thistle

Type

Low growing perennial

Description

Prickly narrow leaves, grows close to ground. Long tiower spike with purple flower head. Seeds dressed with fluff. lateral roots grow from the central tap root.

Habitat

Roadsides, waste ground, grassland, distrubed ground

Herbal Usage

Edible. Fodder for stock.

Soil Fertility

Poor

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil pH

All

Sunlight

Full sun

Success

Prickly leaves protect against predators and man. . Underground stems spread widely and deeply, which may lay dormant for many years until dug up. Roots brittle and break up to form new plants. Seedlings rare.

Importance

Persistent on waste ground and hard landscapes. Serious agri weed.

Cultural Control

(1.4) Autumn: expose roots to frost. (1.5) at budding stage to weaken.

Chemical Control

(3.1.1a) in spring (3.2.4) under trees and shrubs.