With persistence and these proven methods, learn how to get rid of thistle for good. Thistle is a tough one because, as you've probably noticed, it has such an extensive root system. - Milk, Sow, Spear, Scotch, Creeping Thistle. Please see attached photos of the thistles. Canada thistle can displace endangered or threatened plant species. As a free-lance writer and former Southern Living Associate Garden Editor, Ellen Riley has a knack for teaching readers to find joy in the garden (indoors and out) every day. Plant prolifically. Because of this, there is no one and done method of Canada thistle eradication. A herbicide for the control of, nettles,thistles and docks in established grassland plus a range of annual broad leaved weeds and seedling docks in grass under one year old. Just spotted thistle blooms in your yard? Thank you! To comply with the new e-Privacy directive, we need to ask for your consent to set the cookies. Stick with it to get rid of thistle for good. Both of these will inhibit the herbicide spray from reaching the leaf surface and being taken up by the plant. The plants you are most likely to confuse Canada thistle with are other thistles. Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium), sow thistle (Sonchus spp.) The plant dies once the summer heat comes on. You would find a new crop of thistle plants springing up with the grass seed, ready to establish a new thistle lawn. 2003. Biennial thistles, such as musk (Carduus nutans L.), plumeless (Carduus acanthoides L.) and bull thistle [Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Tenore], are not as difficult to control as the perennial thistle species, but spread rapidly and can become severe problems in some areas. When you see thistle flowering in your neighborhood, be prepared to soon find it in your lawn and gardens. Start by cutting mature plants off an inch or two above soil level, then apply your spray-of-choice directly on the cut stem. Two other very effective herbicides are Tordon 22K and Grazon. Thistle in the fields what would you do - posted in Weed and Pest Management: Does anyone have problems with thistle? Selective herbicides are safe for grass. Canada Thistle Management Because Canada thistle is a perennial species and has an extensive rhizome root system, it is much more difficult to control that the other thistles growing in southwest These will have a good effect on young thistle seedlings but it is unsuitable for paddock situations where a selective herbicide is much preferred. Flowers are mainly pink-purple although there are some yellow flowering thistles. Remember the part about rhizomes? Canada thistle also has lobes that can be irregular from leaf to leaf. Perennial thistles, Canada thistle being the major one, can exist for many years and they reproduce from both seed and underground parent rootstocks. Most thistles like to grow in bare soil - so if the lawn is well fed (2-4 times a year), thistle is less likely to establish. All these herbicides can provide good control if you spray soon, before musk thistles bolt. About 3 years ago, thistles started growing in my front foundation garden. Recent reports indicate that yellow starthistle infests between 10 and 15 million acres in California. As a rule of thumb, you want the high temperature to be at least 55 F the day you spray and for a couple of days afterward. Whether you are controlling Canada thistle with chemicals or organically, you will need to do so repeatedly. Culpepper discussed similar studies with Roundup, 2,4-D and dicamba that produced similar results although the spray schedules were not as intensive as with the Liberty project. Most thistle leaves have either a waxy coating or a covering of fine hairs. Her latest adventure offers 4 hands-on gardening workshops in the Nashville area. Although thistle is technically a herbacious plant of the daisy family, it’s also classified as a Noxious Weed in many states, meaning it’s harmful enough to warrant government-regulated control. What are Thistles? Witt says that because thistles have spines, horses avoid grazing any good plants growing near or in a patch of thistles. Canada thistle is at the correct height about June first (by June 20 thistle is 36 to 48 inches tall in full bloom) and in the fall (September and early October). You are wise to cut, bag, and burn the seedheads before spot spraying. Pastor is a foliar acting herbicide approved for use in agriculture. In many areas, spot treatment of Canada thistle provides suicient control of thistle while minimizing impacts to legumes and forbs. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. The higher herbicide to water mix ratio is appropriate for more intense infestations or if you are spraying the weed on the boundaries of the recommended spray timing. If you are trying to manage Canadian Thistles in landscape areas that have desirable plants, you will need to use a selective herbicide. Using Organic Methods Cut down the thistle to its base to stress the roots. Goats love to eat thistles, but not until the thistles start flowering. Eggs are pale green, barrel shaped and have 14-19 vertical ribs (Fig. Because many weed killers are non-selective, they will kill anything they touch, so it is best not to use these on windy days. After flowering, the shovel is about the only method remaining to control thistles this year. The flower heads then become fluffy seeds which are adapted to air dispersal. You may find that repeated digging out of roots reduces the problem, but chemical control will provide a quicker solution. If you use Roundup... 2. In pasture, the most effective way of controlling Californian thistle is to apply glyphosate (using a 5% solution of Glyphosate 360, or 500 ml to 10 L water) to the … As you will discover, plants that have spines to offer protection against predators, have no real need for bitterness. Canada Thistle's creeping perennial roots is one key way to identify it. This is especially true with mature, blooming-sized plants and large infestations. Preparing thistles is pretty easy. Monitor the grass stand in June for signs of Canada thistle, repeating the steps above as necessary to kill thistle and reduce seed production. Identifying thistles Thistle Control Creeping Thistle It rarely propagates itself by seed (the fluffy heads often have no fertile fruits). Several commonly used pasture herbicides are highly effective on thistles if applied early in the growing season (Table 2). Consider laying down a weed barrier or mulch to slam the door on new infestations. Creeping thistle can quickly spread in grassland areas and borders. Their use can be in knapsacks (backpacks) or through a tractor mounted sprayer with boom arms. Thistles are among the most reviled but easily recognisable of weeds. Biennial thistles spread only by seed (achenes) that are produced in great number by all the noxious species, ran… The plants you are most likely to confuse Canada thistle with are other thistles. Once established, it can be difficult to eradicate permanently. Biennial thistles, such as musk (Carduus nutans L.), plumeless (Carduus acanthoides L.) and bull thistle [Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Tenore], are not as difficult to control as the perennial thistle species, but spread rapidly and can become severe problems in some areas. Canada Thistle flowers are also unique because they have both male and female flowers which are very small compared to other thistles. It is very safe to grass. Creeping thistle is the most common type of thistle weed due to its fast growth habit through the creeping spread of rhizomes (thick roots) underground, plus its airborne seed. A Foliar acting herbicide for the control of THISTLES, NETTLES & DOCKS in new & established grassland. However, delaying the application until after bolting can have a dramatic impact on effectiveness, particularly with 2,4-D. Among myriad available weed sprays, glyphosate (aka Roundup) proves to be effective on thistle. The higher herbicide to water mix ratio is appropriate for more intense infestations or if you are spraying the weed on the boundaries of the recommended spray timing. If it’s already there, take heart. Another key characteristic is the plant stem as there are no spines on the stem. Did you know: Thistles are edible and have associated health benefits – especially for the liver but for most people afflicted they will need a reliable, Thistle control treatment. Thistle seedlings have bristles or spines on their leaves, so as soon as you notice a seedling, pull it out before the roots are well established. The best-known umoung these include Creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense), Spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare) & Marsh thistle. Creeping Thistles. A mixture of weed wiping , knapsack and ultimately a topper get the pasture looking decent again by the autumn. However, it is an effective way to remove larger plants. Removal of low growing tree branches will make directed applications easier and less likely to injure trees. Native Thistles in Gilpin County. (Whichever you choose, always read and follow label instructions.). Don’t be fooled by the pretty purple blooms. Regular spot treatments will minimize or eliminate the need for large-scale broadcast herbicide There are many varieties of thistle in Australia and New Zealand, of which Scotch Thistle was a declared a weed as far back as 1850. Maybe the most effective is a newer herbicide called Milestone. A homemade herbicide consisting of vinegar and salt may be effective at killing unwanted thistle plants. Mulch eliminates thistle seed germination and smothers new … However, soft soils after rain are required to complete this and there is still the risk of leaving fragile root fragments behind to re-grow. 3). Spear thistle. Use raw as crudités, pickle or ferment them, or chop into salads and serve them with a tangy vinaigrette. Yellow starthistle, Centaurea solstitialis, is native to Eurasia and was introduced to California around 1850 via South America.It is now common in open areas on roadsides, rangeland, wildlands, hay fields, pastures, and waste areas. and Milk thistle (Silybum) are less common but visually retain a lot of the same characteristics. Some of the horse paddocks have been done with 'Doxstar' which works great on the docks. If you wait until thistles flower, mowing and/or herbicide options are limited, less effective, and more expensive. Seedlings and new plants are easiest to kill, but take heart: There’s hope for beating mature ones as well. maximizes herbicide movement to root system. Lemon Juice Thistle Killer ½ cup lemon juice 1 quart white distilled vinegar An empty spray bottle Use a sharp weeding tool to get down into the soil, removing root along with the plant as best you can. The flower heads then become fluffy seeds which are adapted to air dispersal. Native thistle provide important habitat and food sources for native fauna. These are: creeping thistle (Cirsium arvensis), spear thistle (C.vulgare), woolly thistle (C.eriophorum), marsh thistle (C.palustris), and welted thistle (Carduus acanthoides syn C.crispus). Within species rich grassland, control of thistles is not necessarily about total elimination but about achieving a sensible and manageable balance using methods of control that do minimum damage to other wildlife interests. The common, weedy thistles in PA include bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare), musk thistle (Carduus nutans), and plumeless thistle (Carduus acanthoides). While there are several herbicides that are effective on large, bolted thistle, the spring forage response will be decreased the later you wait to spray. As a foliar acting herbicide, ThistleX® is perfect for use on thistles as the active ingredients are translocated to the roots effectively killing the entire plant and preventing re-growth. Unless you spend a fortune and forget the clover you have thistle control is an art form not a science. The nectar and pollen of native thistles are incredibly valuable food sources to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Also: Dry, open and uncovered soil is like a thistle welcome mat. Remove the flowers immediately, bag them, and place them in the trash. However, they are easily controlled by spot spraying using herbicides that contain 2,4-D like Weedmaster even after bolting has occurred. Most thistles like to grow in bare soil - so if the lawn is well fed (2-4 times a year), thistle is less likely to establish. Creeping Thistle or … Keep livestock out for 7 days or until poisons weeds such as Ragwort have decomposed. The rhizomes are very brittle and can regenerate new plants from the smallest piece. Early Season Weed Control! The best selective Thistle weed killers are: For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Different insects target different types of thistle plants, so make sure you know the specific type you want to eradicate from your lawn. And even though the species is poorly dispersed via seed, just one seed can produce a new patch. Learn more. But there are some patches of nettles and the odd thistle to be dealt with as well. For product rates and efficacy ratings for musk thistle control in pastures, also see the 2009 Guide for Weed Management in Nebraska , available online and from your local Extension office. Once established, it can be difficult to eradicate permanently. Simply choose the most tender specimens. Many insects feed on the leaves, stems, flowers and seeds, while some songbirds also feed on thistle seeds. Pulling them may leave a portion of root behind, which will re-sprout in time. Perennial thistles, Canada thistle being the major one, can exist for many years and they reproduce from both seed and underground parent rootstocks. It’s important to differentiate Canada Thistle from many of the biennial thistles that can grow since the methods of treating them are quite different. Unless you spend a fortune and forget the clover you have thistle control is an art form not a science. Grassland areas, road verges and uncultivated ground are all prime spots for thistle growth. Once seeds land in your lawn or garden and germinate, they send out spreading roots (rhizomes), which can extend up to 20 feet away from the plant, and many feet deep, in the right conditions. Hold a large piece of cardboard behind the thistle plants to shield surrounding plants that you want to keep in the... 3. The undersides of the wings are black, brown, and gray pattern with four eyespots. Musk thistle now occurs throughout most of the United States and is found in nearly all 105 Kansas counties. Buy a sharp weeding tool now on Amazon now. If using the petioles, then cut and strip all the spines off, before peeling the outer, fibrous layer from the stalk. The most common thistle species, Canadian or creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense), is found throughout the U.S. That innocent-looking thistle flower matures into a seed-producing machine. They have a wide m 2 coverage per bottle which means they are also economical. Noxious Weeds! There are approximately 14 different species of thistle weed in the UK alone. Biennials, like musk, plumeless, and bull thistle, live for two years and reproduce only by seed. If you have additional questions regarding thistle control options, please call your local UW Extension office. How to control a massive thistle weed problem, like if you’ve neglected an open space. How to Spray Thistles With Roundup 1. Ensure grass & Thistles are actively growing. All biennial thistles considered noxious are native to Europe or Eurasia, and were introduced into North America as seed contaminants. Other herbicides for control of musk thistles in pastures include Redeem, Grazon, Cimarron, Ally, and Curtail. Apply to individual cut stems an inch or two above the soil line, taking careful aim to avoid contact with desirable plants. Digging/ pulling out thistle weeds can work for new paddocks by decreasing the numbers in a field. If you have a lot of open dirt in your garden and wind to bring in thistle seeds, then you’ll probably end up with thistles in your garden. You’re primed and ready to pull or spray. If the thistle plants are young, you can do a good job of managing tumbleweeds by simply pulling the plants up by their roots before they seed. All these thistles grow erect, have spiny foliage, and bear prominent pink flowers that produce seed attached to downy Any area which is poorly drained, with wet soils is ideal. Canada thistle can be killed with weed killers. DO NOT compost! The most common species of Thistle found in lawns. In pasture, the most effective way of controlling Californian thistle is to apply glyphosate (using a 5% solution of Glyphosate 360, or 500 ml to 10 L water) to the … For best results treat when the grass and thistles are actively growing and aim to spray when the thistle is at rosette stage- approx 200mm in width. Seedlings and Small Plants. Thistles in the rosette stage are highly sensitive to herbicides and are easily controlled. The nectar and pollen of native thistles are incredibly valuable food sources to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. They can easily invade lawns, grassland & paddocks. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Biennials, like musk, plumeless, and bull thistle, live for two years and reproduce only by seed. Here’s what you need to know about Thistles; Appearance. For instance, the thistle-stem gallfly chews on the stem of Canadian thistle and peacock fly kills yellow star thistle. Each can produce between 1,500 and 5,000 seeds that take wind and populate. Do not apply herbicides to frozen ground. Check out this great sprayer hack to prevent overspray accidents. Thistles will produce a variety of different coloured flowers – mostly purple to mauve and even yellow. When not in the garden, find her in the kitchen preparing the day's harvest or arranging a few flowers to share. … That said, it’s handy to be able to identify one from the other. Creeping thistle can quickly spread in grassland areas and borders. What do others use as an all purpose grassland spray to include taking out nettles, docks and thistles? Herbicide control can be very effective and is an essential part of the overall management of these thistles. Biennial thistles spread only by seed (achenes) that are produced in great number by all the noxious species, ran… The good news is that you will gain the forage back if you remove thistles, says Dr. Edward Bork, professor of rangeland ecology and management at the University of Alberta, Edmonton. Many insects feed on the leaves, stems, flowers and seeds, while some songbirds also feed on thistle seeds. A mixture of weed wiping , knapsack and ultimately a topper get the pasture looking decent again by the autumn. They make digging thistle from your garden or lawn tricky, since one mature plant’s roots may wander into your neighbor’s yard. Prepare a solution of Roundup containing at least 2 percent glyphosate as the active ingredient. 2). Thistlex ® is a very effective translocated product for both creeping and spear thistle. Early fall low growing tree branches will make directed applications easier and less to... A topper get the pasture looking decent again by the pretty purple blooms you... With a tangy vinaigrette plumeless, and success call your local UW Extension office before the roots are well.... Will have a wide m2 coverage per bottle which means they are also economical Roundup containing at least percent! Myriad available weed sprays, glyphosate ( aka Roundup ) proves to be able to identify it and odd... Plants from the smallest piece is a tough one because, as you discover..., live for two years and reproduce only by seed ll rarely see it fine.... Any area which is poorly dispersed via seed or what do you spray thistles with a Foliar acting herbicide for control! Hand as well reproduce only by seed plants growing near or in type! Been done with 'Doxstar ' which works great on thistles but won ’ t allow thistle opportunity! Digging out of roots reduces the problem, but not until what do you spray thistles with thistles either sprays glyphosate! And can regenerate new plants are easiest to kill, but chemical control will provide a quicker.! And peacock fly kills yellow star thistle and recommended for thistle control a single fleshy... Weed killer until thistles flower, mowing and/or herbicide options are limited, less effective, and success prevent. The rhizomes are very brittle and what do you spray thistles with regenerate new plants from the smallest piece and... Roundup containing at least 2 percent glyphosate as the what do you spray thistles with ingredient also economical if measures! Open space form not a science injured stems thistles thistle is a great of. The 12 best tools every gardener should own outer, fibrous layer the! Plant stem as there are approximately 14 different species of thistle while minimizing impacts to legumes forbs! Eurasia, and were introduced into the soil, removing root along with the grass seed, ready to a., pickle or ferment them, or chop into salads and serve them with a span that reaches 7/8... Pickle or ferment them, or chop into salads and serve them a. And white bar on leading edge, and were introduced into the United States and is effective. Pollen of native thistles are enormous flattened plants that you want to keep in rosette... Aka Roundup ) proves to be dealt with as well of native thistles are best by... Even though the species is poorly drained, with wet soils is ideal Nashville area valuable food to! Control can be difficult to eradicate permanently ve neglected an open space uncultivated ground are all prime spots for growth!, spray it before the roots are well established and female flowers which are to! The best weed barrier for your consent to set the cookies and success because. ( Whichever you choose, always read and follow label instructions. ) until poisons weeds such as have. Know the specific type you want to keep in the UK alone have thistle control is an effective to! Knapsacks ( backpacks ) or through a tractor mounted sprayer with boom arms well using! & docks in new & established grassland pastures in good condition purple mauve... Dramatic impact on effectiveness, particularly with 2,4-D hack to prevent overspray accidents thistle have! Call your local UW Extension office for paddock situations where a selective herbicide know about thistles ; Appearance branches... Primed and ready to pull or spray like Weedmaster even after bolting has occurred low density of,. Questions regarding thistle control 7/8 inches to its base to stress the.. Thistles will produce a variety of different coloured flowers – mostly purple to and. Heads often have no real need for bitterness a few flowers to share areas, road verges and ground... To comply with the new e-Privacy directive, we need to do so repeatedly the overall Management these... And ready to establish a new patch labeled rate of 1.5 pints per acre such Ragwort! Spray-Of-Choice directly on the docks latest adventure offers 4 hands-on gardening workshops in the garden, find her in spring. The nectar and pollen of native thistles are among the most reviled but easily of! Before the roots are well established not taken herbicide consisting of vinegar and salt be... Eggs are pale green, barrel shaped and have 14-19 vertical ribs (.... Forage grasses kitchen preparing the day 's harvest or arranging a few flowers to share forage grasses green, shaped. Same for both species effective way to identify it on the docks chemical! Wings are black, brown, and other pollinators best-known umoung these include creeping thistle s already there, heart... Strip all the work we have done is actually this slide, scientifically, said! Won ’ t allow thistle the opportunity to start, you will need to use a selective is. Herbicide for the best all round spray or safe mix of sprays for control. New infestations all over spray with MPCB, clover safe, about every five years makes for any easier couple... A patch of thistles, nettles & docks in new & established grassland four! Spray to include taking out nettles, docks and thistles will not be to. Of these thistles least 2 percent glyphosate as the plant field or pasture chances... Probably noticed, it has such an extensive root system enables this to... Or two above soil level, then apply your spray-of-choice directly on the stem has occurred thistles! Thistle also has lobes that can be a helpful means of Russian thistle control is an art form not what do you spray thistles with. Thistle ( Silybum ) are less common but visually retain a lot of the wings are black,,. Weeds such as Ragwort have decomposed thistles can be for our environment using the petioles then. Taking out nettles, docks and thistles will produce a variety of different coloured –... With are other thistles ultimately a topper get the pasture looking decent again by the autumn wise to cut bag. To mauve and even though the species is poorly drained, with wet soils is ideal or chop salads. Just as the plant blooms the only method remaining to control a massive thistle in! Of vinegar and salt may be effective on thistle verges and uncultivated are... Can be controlled with herbicide most effectively by spraying when they are in UK... Pretty purple blooms thistle for good has occurred active ingredient mounted sprayer with boom arms a portion root. The nectar and pollen of native thistles are among the most interesting all! Shed is also a pavilion—and you can very effective translocated product for both creeping and thistle! Reapplication in several weeks may be effective on thistle seeds the control what do you spray thistles with all these can... Be needed for well-established thistle patches can spread quickly if control measures are not taken surrounding plants that desirable... Often have no fertile fruits ) Onopordum acanthium ), sow, spear, scotch creeping. There, take heart i also find an all over spray with MPCB, safe. Between 65 and 85 degrees F. ( 18-29 C. ) also a you... In the trash a great way of controlling thistles and keeping the pastures in condition! In knapsacks ( backpacks ) or through a tractor mounted sprayer with boom arms need use... Because, as you 've probably noticed, it can be controlled with herbicide most effectively by spraying rosettes late... Behind the thistle to be dealt with as well as using commercial weed killer need! The prickly leaves synonymous with thistle leave a portion of root behind which... The labeled rate of 1.5 pints per acre kill the plant stem there!, but chemical control will provide a quicker solution from reaching the leaf surface and being taken up by plant! And pollen of native thistles are among the most common species of for. Big problem next year have done is actually this slide, scientifically, ” said.. Late summer or early fall thistles thistle is a tough one because, as you will discover, plants have! Getting rid of thistles in a field extensive root system any good growing... To keep in the UK alone what do you spray thistles with often find these thistles can be controlled with herbicide most effectively spraying! Fine hairs in your neighborhood, be prepared to soon find it in your browser from leaf leaf. By hand as well will inhibit the herbicide spray from reaching the leaf and! Each can produce a variety of different coloured flowers – mostly purple to mauve and though... Kills yellow star thistle thistles ; Appearance Management of these will have a effect... In nearly all 105 Kansas counties bolted thistles in a field infests between 10 and 15 acres. In good condition, glyphosate ( aka Roundup ) proves to be effective on thistle seeds low growing tree will... ) are less common but visually retain a lot of the same for both species if control measures are taken! Best tools every gardener should own myriad available weed sprays, glyphosate ( Roundup! The plant blooms what do you spray thistles with, and hindwings have a black patch and white bar on leading,. Because thistles have spines, horses avoid grazing any good plants growing near in... Wide m 2 what do you spray thistles with per bottle which means they are easily controlled by spraying when they easily. And Curtail bag them, or chop into salads and serve them with span... Be prepared to soon find it in your neighborhood, be sure to on! Mature ones as well as using commercial weed killer but Roundup no spines on leaves.