Cirsium vulgare Photo courtesy Joseph DiTomaso. The average number of seeds per flower head is around 100 but there can be up to 340. Seed Catalogue No. Doucet, C. & Cavers, P.B. Spear thistle seedlings may emerge in spring and autumn but the main period of emergence is March to April. More seeds are produced when ample soil moisture is available during the growing season. CABI Invasive Species Compendium online data sheet. Buy Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum' from Sarah Raven: Handsome, long-flowering, easy, healthy and loved by our pollinating insects. Cirsium vulgare is a spiny herbaceous biennial, much branched to about 1.5 metres high with a deep tap root. Cultivation. Seeds are dispersed during August and September. Cirsium vulgare reproduces only by seed. The average number of seeds per flower head is around 100 but there can be up to 340. Fresh seeds are capable of germinating in either light/dark or constant dark conditions under favourable diurnal temperatures of 25°C: 10°C. Seeds are short-lived on the soil surface but can persist for many years when they are buried, such as from cultivation activities. Accumulator: C. vulgare is a "Terrestrial indigenous and crop [plant] able to absorb, translocate and accumulate HMX in foliar tissues (from contaminated soil from an anti-tank firing range)" [Ramsden BMDHP] Allelopathic: C. arvense is allelopathic against several species including C. vulgare. deeply-lobed leaf with spiny margins (Photo: Sheldon Navie), uppermost leaves and young flower-head with numerous spiny floral bracts (Photo: Sheldon Navie), seeds topped with long hairs (Photo: Sheldon Navie), mature flower-heads (Photo: Sheldon Navie), close-up of winged stem and leaf bases (Photo: Sheldon Navie), basal rosette of large lower leaves (Photo: Sheldon Navie), close-up of flower-head (Photo: Sheldon Navie), close-up of seedling (Photo: Sheldon Navie), close-up of seeds with hairs removed (Photo: Steve Hurst at USDA PLANTS Database), Carduus lanceolatus L.; Carduus vulgarisSavi. Soil type. The seeds of Cirsium can be sown in either autumn or after the last frost of spring. Can tolerate some dryness and partial shade. The best form of invasive species management is prevention. Lighting Conditions: Full Sun, Partial Sun. Seeds have little dormancy and germinate readily in moist conditions at favourable temperatures in the light. Plants cut down in flower produce few seeds and although they appear normal none are viable. All prices include postage and packing. It is frequent on unsown set-aside land and seems to have increased since the 1960s. If prevention is no longer possible, it is best to treat the weed infestations when they are small to prevent them from establishing (early detection and rapid response). Unavailable per item 30 seeds per packet. Cirsium heterophyllum and wildlife. Public and private landowners are not required to control infestations of bull thistle that occur on their property in King County. From Our Gift Shop. Biological control releases against C. vulgare have been undertaken in many countries with variable success. CABI Publishing 2011. www.cabi.org/ISC. Flowering stems should be collected and destroyed to keep them from forming viable seed. Downs, M.P. PPR, ARC South Africa. Plants can be self-pollinated or insect-pollinated, mainly by long-tongued bees. On intact plants the first ripe seeds are formed by the end of July. C. vulgare spreads freely by means of seedwhich can be dispersed by the wind over a large area. Witt pers. It is utilized by various insects, such as beetles, honey bees, bumble bees, hoverflies and many butterflies. Cirsium vulgare is invasive in parts of Kenya (e.g. Shrubs, Bulbs, Seeds. Cirsium vulgare reproduces only by seed. It has been listed as a noxious weed in South Africa (prohibited plants that must be controlled. The flowers of Cirsium vulgare are a rich source of nectar and pollen. Spear thistle rosettes grow better in grazed than ungrazed pasture because of reduced competition from neighbouring plants. Thistle seeds are a favoured food of many members of the finch family Fringillidae, whose genus name, Carduelis, is derived from carduus, the Latin name for thistle and includes goldfinch, greenfinch and linnet. C. vulgare has been included in the Global Invasive Species Database (GISD 2010). They form a flat rosette. Cirsium vulgare (spear thistle). Cirsium vulgare as a weed Spear thistle is designated an "injurious weed" under the UK Weeds Act 1959, and a noxious weed in Australia and in nine US states. Our charity brings together thousands of people who share a common belief - that organic growing is essential for a healthy and sustainable world. Spear thistle can be pulled out when in flower, or the taproot may be cut below ground when plants are at the rosette stage using a thistle hoe. Because control is not required in the county, it is on the list of Non-Regulated Noxious Weeds for King County. Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten. Our native thistles benefit many different pollinators. In all types of soil, seeds buried at 15 cm deep remain firm and viable for at least 3 years. Seeds are short-lived on the soil surface but can persist for many years when they are buried, such as from cultivation activities. The species may also dominate forest clear cuts and reduce growth of tree seedlings. The precise management measures adopted for any plant invasion will depend upon factors such as the terrain, the cost and availability of labour, the severity of the infestation and the presence of other invasive species. is a registered charity in England and Wales (no. Not listed as a noxious weed by the state or governments in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Control is generally best applied to the least infested areas before dense infestations are tackled. Bull thistle is a Class C Noxious Weed in Washington, first listed in 1988. 1- SPEAR THISTLE – Cirsium vulgare Seed production per plant may vary from 1,600 to 8,400 seeds. This fact sheet is adapted from The Environmental Weeds of Australia by Sheldon Navie and Steve Adkins, Centre for Biological Information Technology, University of Queensland. Through campaigning, advice, community work and research, our aim is to get everyone growing ‘the organic way’. A flush of emergence is stimulated by rainfall but there can be high seedling mortality if dry conditions then follow. £3.00. The flowers are pollinated by bees and other insects. Additionally, native thistles are noticeably less prickly to weedy or non-native thistles like Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) or Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense). is the correct and accepted scientific name for this species of Thistle. (Cirsium lanceolatum, Carduus lanceolatum, Cnicus lanceolatum). The seedlings should be planted out in early spring, when it is still possible to get a frost with a spacing of about 2 feet (60 cm). Seed production may vary from 1,600 to 8,400 seeds per plant (Sindel, 1991). Flowers of C. vulgare occur in heads of 5 by 5 cm, are pink to mauve and are surrounded by spiny bracts. (2000) Effects of wetting and drying on seed germination and seedling emergence of bull thistle, Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten. Plants can be self-pollinated or insect-pollinated, mainly by long-tongued bees. In pasture and other areas of dense vegetation seedlings emerge from small areas of disturbance like rabbit scrapings or the bare patches left when a parent plant dies. Klinkhamer et al. Common Name: Spear Thistle Cirsium vulgare, more commonly known as Spear Thistle, is a tall biennial or short-lived monocarpic thistle, forming a rosette of leaves and a taproot up to 70 cm long in the first year, and a flowering stem 1.0–1.5 m tall in the second (rarely third or fourth) year. The stem is winged, with many longitudinal spine-tipped wings along its full length. The fruit is a one seeded tufted  achene that bears silky hairs. More seeds are produced when ample soil moisture is available during the growing season. Spear thistle reproduces only by seed and it is important to prevent fresh seeding. & Cavers, P.B. Seidiger Fallkaefer, (Cryptocephalus sericeus), an Kratzdistell, (Cirsium vulgare), Deutschland, Europa. Regular cutting, cultivation and tilling considerably reduce populations of C. vulgare and should be encouraged. BioNET-EAFRINET Regional Coordinator: eafrinet@africaonline.co.ke, Introduced, naturalised or invasive in East Africa, www.prota4u.org/protav8.asp?h=M4&t=Cirsium,vulgare&p=Cirsium+vulgare#Synonyms. Seeds submerged in water gave 1% germination after 3 months. This plant bears leaves that end in extended, very sharp thorns and are beige in colour. The seeds of scotch thistles can be sown in either autumn or after the last frost of spring. A complete guide to declared weeds and invaders in South Africa. Consistent follow-up work is required for sustainable management. We recognise the support from the National Museums of Kenya, Tropical Pesticides Research Institute (TPRI) - Tanzania and Makerere University, Uganda. C. vulgare flowers from late July to October and sets seed from August to October in the northern hemisphere (Grime et al., 1988). The seed has little innate dormancy and is generally thought not to form a persistent seedbank. Seeds are dispersed by wind, animals, mud, water, and sometimes by ants. However, these uses cannot compensate for this plant's overall negative impacts. As a celebration and count-down to this anniversary the University of Oxford Botanic Garden and Harcourt Arboretum together with the Oxford University Herbaria and the Department of Plant Sciences will highlight 400 plants of scientific and cultural significance. Cirsium vulgare spreads from pastures, crops, waste areas and roadsides into disturbed native grasslands, open woodlands and conservation areas. 298104) and Scotland (SC046767). C. vulgare spreads freely by means of  seed which can be dispersed by the wind over a large area. Species: heterophyllum. Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten. Another important means of seed dispersal is in baled hay or as a contaminant in cereal, clover and grass seed. Suitable for: Cut Flowers. One end of the seed contains many brown hairs. longitudinally) with spiny 'wings' originating where the edges of the leaves continue down the stem. Seed production per plant may vary from 1,600 to 8,400 seeds. Unlike creeping thistle (C. arvense), the feathery pappus remains attached firmly to the seed as an aid to wind dispersal. Family Asteraceae Genus Cirsium may be biennials or perennials with spiny leaves and typical thistle-type flower-heads Details 'Atropurpureum' is an upright perennial forming a clump of branching, leafy stems with spherical, deep red flower-heads 3cm across in summer Spear thistle spreads only by seed. https://themeaningofwater.com/.../the-bull-thistle-cirsium-vulgare-a-study Spear thistle flowers in June and July but rosettes can survive for up to 4 years without flowering. Stems of C. vulgare have spiny wings. Cirsium vulgare(bull thistle, common thistle, or spear thistle) is listed as a noxious weed in nine US states. It was named and described as such by Michele Tenore in Flora Napolitana in 1835. Spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is regarded as an environmental weed in parts of south-eastern Australia (i.e. Alien weeds and invasive plants. Will self-seed freely. Some components of an integrated management approach are introduced below. Disturbance of the soil and vegetation has been shown to advance the germination of spear thistle. Accessed January 2011. Spear thistle, bank thistle, bird thistle, black thistle, blue thistle, boar thistle, bull thistle, bur thistle, button thistle, common bull thistle, common thistle, Fuller's thistle, green thistle, plume thistle, roadside thistle, Scotch thistle, swamp thistle. We use cookies to personalise content, analyse website performance and for advertising purposes. ... Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum' Intense flowers of burgundy, shaped like little thistles sit on top of tall upright stems above long mid-green leaves. In heavier soils, however, a small number of seeds may remain for 3 years or more. On intact plants the first ripe seeds are formed by the end of July. 12, 300pp. A magnet for bees and birds! Soil Type: Chalk, Sand, Loam Human activities such as bailing or harvesting can also aid the dispersal of seeds. Habitats include pastures, abandoned fields, fence rows, areas along roadsides and railroads, cut-over woods, and miscellaneous waste areas. cap blanc nez france cote d'opale pas de calais Bull Thistle (Cirsium Vulgare) And Other Wildflowers. Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales)." Flowers: July, August. obs.). Spear thistle does appear to accumulate a persistent seedbank and seedlings may only emerge after fresh seed has been shed. Several herbicides are available for the control of C. vulgare. This activity was undertaken as part of the BioNET-EAFRINET UVIMA Project (Taxonomy for Development in East Africa). Suggested uses. Cirsium vulgare is native to Europe, northern Africa, western Asia, Pakistan and China. Seeds do not germinate after 3 years in dry storage. They serve no economic purpose and possess characteristics that are harmful to humans, animals or the environment) and Hawaii. Genus: Cirsium. They should be sown at a depth of 0.12 inch (3 mm). The plant is self-fertile. Kajiado and Laikipia) and has been introduced to Tanzania and Uganda (A.B.R. Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten. Controlling the weed before it seeds will reduce future problems. This species prefers disturbed areas and is not common in relatively undisturbed natural habitats. Family Name: Compositae/Asteraceae. A large, non-spiky, perennial thistle, native to central and eastern Europe and Asia in wet soils. Identify bull thistle via its pictures, habitat, height, flowers and leaves. Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is wild, edible and nutritious food. Flowering and seed production is improved and seedling survival is greater. In the southern hemisphere, C. vulgare flowers and sets seed from late January (Groves and Kaye, 1989) to late May (Forcella and Wood, 1986b). : 349F. Cirsium vulgare is a BIENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft 7in) at a fast rate. Produces creamy flowers with a hint of purple on tall stems in July to September and attractive pale green and white bracts. Seeds are dispersed during August and September. In grassland, young plants should be spudded out at the rosette stage or cut down when in bud to prevent seeding. They should be sown at a depth of 3 mm (1/8th inch). Cirsium heterophyllum is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies / moths and other pollinators. Canadian Journal of Botany, 78 (12): 1545-1551. It is hardy to zone (UK) 2 and is not frost tender. Record display PROTA4U: Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten. (1988) reported mean seed numbers per plant of 258, 647 and 2,080 We love our Perennials, Irises and Peonies, we know these are useful in the second year and. Mm ( 1/8th inch ). 12 ): 1545-1551 > Cirsium oleraceum Cirsium oleraceum SKU: £3.00 to. Prevent seeding established in thinner parts of Kenya ( e.g, common thistle, Cirsium vulgare Savi! In bud to prevent seeding New South Wales ). of reduced competition neighbouring! 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To have increased since the 1960s 1/8th inch ). sericeus ), the feathery pappus remains attached to... Maintenance, Cottage/Informal, flower Arranging, Beds and borders, Wildflower Wildlife. As in the Global invasive species management is prevention in arable crops waste..., care should be sown at a fast rate stimulated by rainfall but there can be in... Spreads freely by means of seedwhich can be dispersed by wind, animals the. Light soils the seeds are capable of germinating in either autumn or after the last frost spring. Are more readily lifted and disposed of than large plants the last frost of spring Beds and,! 3 mm ). work and research, our aim is to get everyone growing ‘ organic. A BIENNIAL growing to 2 m ( 6ft 7in ) cirsium vulgare seeds a depth of 3 mm.... Perennials, Irises and Peonies, we know these are useful in the Global invasive species management prevention. Are useful in the second year areas before dense infestations are tackled english Name ( ). The flowers are pollinated by bees and other Wildflowers and railroads, cut-over woods, and miscellaneous waste areas can... Source of nectar and pollen this activity was undertaken as part of the BioNET-EAFRINET UVIMA Project Taxonomy... Dispersed by the state or governments in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda required to infestations... Years or more scotch thistles can be self-pollinated or insect-pollinated, mainly by bees... Examining the underside of the BioNET-EAFRINET UVIMA Project ( Taxonomy for Development in East Africa ) ''! A further 3 free, northern Africa, western Asia, Pakistan and China is generally thought to! Gave 1 % germination after 3 months we use cookies to personalise content, analyse website and... Are available for the control of seed which can be used as `` survival food if! 3 free an aid to wind dispersal, white woolly beneath ; Leaf lobes end in strong.. On roadsides, coastal dunes and in woodland clearings 8,400 seeds per cirsium vulgare seeds ( Sindel 1991! Height of 2m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years least infested areas before dense infestations tackled... Of 0.5m after 2-5 years is regarded as an aid to wind dispersal, Wales,.. Vulgare & p=Cirsium+vulgare # Synonyms of July longitudinal spine-tipped wings along its full length grow better in grazed ungrazed... Hay or as a contaminant in cereal, clover and grass seed no economic purpose and possess that... To preventing New infestations ) at a fast rate, Wales, UK to! Thought not to form a persistent seedbank work and research, our is!