Invasive Species Council of Manitoba

Bull Thistle

Cirsium vulgare

Bull Thistle is a biennial plant that is native to Europe and introduced to North American in the early 1800's.

The stem can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. The leaves are alternates and deeply lobed, at the end of each lobe there is a spine making it unpalatable to grazers. The purple flowers bloom from July-August and the seeds are dispersed by wind and can remain viable for over 10 years.

Bull Thistle grows in dry to moist habitats and is intolerant to shade. It can be seen in disturbed pastures, roadsides and ditches, hay fields and disturbed prairies.

Information provided byÂ Weeds BC

Resources

2011 Rural Municipality Distribution Map

2010 Rural Municipality Distribution Map

Bull Thistle MWSA 2009 Survey Map

Back to Terrestrial Invasive Species List

Invasive Species Council of Manitoba

Bull Thistle

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