PlantFiles: Bull Thistle, Spear Thistle
Cirsium vulgare

Bull thistle is considered a noxious weed in Ontario; property owners are legally required to eliminate it.

I hate this species - they can be a major pest in lawns - they live forever because they never develop their flower stalks and die - their spines is a danger to barefeet or to pets. Every part of the plant is very sharp - the only good way to get rid of it if it is flowerstalking is to hack it to size and then use a shovel to remove the rootstock. I have only seen them reach flowering size - very tall at about 4 feet tall on roadsides but is rarer in gardens - their single year crowns are more often encounted in lawns and 100% sunny garden locations. In the north, only Canda Thistle is more weedy than this species.

This plant is listed on the North Dakota invasive/troublesome list and this information is being distributed in a guide developed by the ND Weed Control Association and other agencies.

Plant Features
Biennial, 3 to 5 feet tall
Purple flowers, 2 inches in diameter
Blooms from July through September
Gumdrop-shaped flower heads up to 3 inches long, spines on flower heads yellow-tipped
Spines on ends of leaves and leaf lobes
Multiple branched stems with purple veins
Leaf surface has a distinct green center vein
Short fleshy taproot
First year plants short, flat rosettes

Distribution
Widespread invasive usually solitary or in small patches in pastures

Interesting Facts
Petals can be chewed as gum
Spreads by seed only

Bull Thistle, Spear Thistle Cirsium vulgare is Naturalized to Texas and other States, and is considered an Invasive plant in Texas.

Sure, this plant is quite thorny and pops up everywhere (very quickly, I might add.) However, to add another positive note, it's a drought-tolerant plant which makes it a great plant to use in very hot (and sometimes dry) places like Florida.

Furthermore, Painted Lady, American Painted Lady, and Little Metalmark butterflies all are said to use this plant as a host plant. A great addition to any butterfly garden...

Yes, it's alien
yes, it's invasive
But, Goldfinches love it so at least it has some value.

These thorns can be of some use.
Instead of throwing the whole thing away, save undeveloped flowers, and roots. Both are edible, and are quite tasty.

I consider the Bull Thistle one of the most beautiful plants growing wild in my area although most other folks, particularly the farmers, consider them a total hazard. I have had no success in relocating one to my yard, but this year I may have a success.

ive always enjoyed this wildflower, its not only a royal plant in scottland but when it goes to seed it looks looks alot like cotton. and im glad to have it in my garden and in my feilds

I hate this 'plant'. To me it's a weed. I spent all last summer digging them out of my garden. Now it has invaded my backyard. Who would call this horrendous pest a plant or would even want it in their garden?

Love this website!!!!

This plant has been declared a noxious weed in almost every nation in the world.

If you try to hand-pull, make sure the whole taproot is removed; every bit of root left in the soil will re-sprout and grow a new crown. Make sure you wear sufficient protective clothes against this armed enemy: the thorns will penetrate even leather gloves. Multiple applications of chemical herbicides are usually required to kill this.