Reproduction: By seed Weedy characteristics: Musk thistle is highly competitive and aggressive, and forms dense colonies, choking out native vegetation important to wildlife. The seeds have longitudinal dotted stripes. Musk thistle seeds are dispersed by wind blown pappus. Musk thistle’s most distinguishing factor is its flowers, which grow up to 1 to 2 inches in diameter and are usually puffy with purplish hues. Early in spring of the second year, overwintered rosettes resume growth.  Feeding by adults causes minimal damage to the thistles.  The larvae burrow into the developing seed heads and feed on the seeds. Flowering Time: June - September. Apply Escort or Telar up to the early flower growth stage. The terminal, or tallest, shoots flower first, then lateral shoots develop in leaf axils. 1 How to Identify Musk Thistle. Revised 11/13. Each plant can hold anywhere from 3,500 to 10,000 seeds. Repeated mowing of Musk Thistle will reduce seed production. CSU Horticulture Agents and Specialists Blog, Capric Acid: A Promising Next-Generation Herbicide for Organic Specialty Crop Production, Columnar and Fastigiate Trees for CO Landscapes, Management-intensive Grazing (MiG) on Irrigated Pasture, Pulse Crops and their Key Role as Staple Foods in Healthful Eating Patterns, Integrated Hive Management for Colorado Beekeepers, Management-intensive Grazing (MiG) and Soil Health, Spring at rosette growth stage; or in fall, Use higher rates for older or dense stands, Use higher rate for older or dense stands; may be used to edge ponds or streams, Spring at rosette to early bolting growth stages; or in fall, Use higher rate for older or dense stands, Spring rosette to early bud growth stages; or to fall rosettes, Spring to rosette to early bud growth stages; or to fall rosettes. 3 Threats: Why is the musk thistle a noxious weed? A robust plant may produce 100 or more flowering heads. Plants overwinter in the rosette stage until they begin to bolt in mid-March. Musk thistle produces many heads. 9/98. The seeds of the Milk Thistle (Carduus Marianus), known also as Silybum Marianum, have similar properties and uses, and the Cotton Thistle, Melancholy Thistle, etc., have also been employed for like purposes. Bull, musk and plumeless thistle are native to Eurasia and were introduced into North America as seed contaminants. Musk Thistle is a biennial weed that is reproduced by the release of its seeds and has a two year life span. Musk thistle’s tolerance to most herbicides increases after it bolts. It begins to disseminate seed from a head about two weeks after it first blooms. Escort (metsulfuron) or Cimarron X-tra (metsulfuron + chlorsulfuron) also can be used in pastures, rangeland, and non-crop areas. Musk thistle does not appear to have any spe-cific climatic requirements other than a cool period of vernalization, a minimum of 40 days below 10 °C for flowering. Seeds mature and can begin dispersing in 7-10 days of flowering. However, only one-third of the seeds are viable. The musk thistle seed head weevil, Rhinocyllus conicus, can be found throughout Colorado. It is common to observe musk thistle with heads in several stages of floral development and senescence. The female deposits her eggs on the back of developing flowers and covers them with chewed leaf tissue. Musk thistle seeds were stowaways on a ship in the mid 1800's. Each flower head is located at the tip of a long stem or branch, which bends or nods and twists as the flower increases in size and matures. Musk thistle (Carduus nutans) is a biennial, although occasionally an annual, in the sunflower family (Asteraceae). Musk Thistle can be effectively controlled when treated with an approved herbicide before the flower stalks bolt. Pastures are particularly at risk because It is unpalatable to livestock. The likelihood of new infestations will be reduced by any action to prevent the production and movement of seed. Research from Colorado State University and the University of Nebraska shows that chlorsulfuron or metsulfuron prevents or dramatically reduces viable seed formation when applied in spring, up to early flower growth stages. If hand-digging, dig the root at least two inches below ground level and remove all soil.  While the weevil obviously isn't eliminating musk thistle from the Iowa landscape, I believe its presence reduces thistle populations from where they would be if the weevil wasn't feeding on seedheads. Did you know that mature musk thistle plants die after seed production? Biological control. [ Top ] [ Top of Thistle, Holy ] Over 46,000 acres are infested with musk thistle in Colorado (Figure 2). Zastita Bilja, 40(4):393-408. Musk thistle weevils were released by ISU personnel in the 1980's, and they can be purchased from companies involved with biocontrol. The terminal, or tallest, shoots flower first, then lateral shoots develop in leaf axils. Musk thistle has very large bracts beneath flowers that are armed with sharp spines and shoots beneath flowers are almost devoid of leaves. The plant dies after all its seeds mature. Edible parts of Musk Thistle: Pith of stem - boiled. We have 3 regions; Peaks and Plains, Front Range and Western. CSU Extension - A division of the Office of Engagement. Germination and seedling establishment are correlated with moisture and light. The flowers of musk thistle are large, solitary and beautiful.  Musk thistle weevil egg masses on a musk thistle seedhead. Musk Thistle is also known as the nodding thistle. Investigations on the entomofauna of Carduus (Asteraceae) plants in Yugoslavia. Weed Science, 32:120-125. US Fish and Wildlife Service, 2010. Leaves have consistent shape, sometimes expressing a frosted appearance around the leaf margins, and often have a cream-colored midrib (Figure 4). Each thistle plant can produce 10,000 to 120,000 seeds. Fertilize only when necessary and according to soil testing recommendations. Musk thistle will not tolerate tillage and can be removed easily by severing its root below ground with a shovel or hoe. The latest time to apply these herbicides is when developed terminal flowers have opened up to the size of a dime. Seedlings emerge in mid to late July and develop into a rosette of up to 1.2 m (4 ft) in diameter. Non-Discrimination Statement | Mechanical control. Leaves are dark green and deeply lobed with spiny margins.  The adults feed on leaves of thistles, then lay eggs on the heads of musk and related thistle species. Shoots begin to elongate (bolt) in late March through May, depending on weather and elevation (Figure 5). Musk thistle flowers over a seven- to nine-week period. Seeds: A single plant can produce up to 120,000 seeds annually, with seeds remaining viable in the soil up to 5 years. Musk thistle is continuous throughout the United States. Musk thistle is a prolific seed producer. Please use our website feedback form. Webmaster | Each flower head, depending on the size, can produce anywhere from 200 to 3,000 seeds by midsummer and an entire plant can produce more than 10,000 seeds. Other uses of the herb: The down of the plant is used to make paper. Musk thistle is usually a biennial but may germinate and flower in a single year. Wherever you live, Extension’s job is to determine what issues, concerns and needs are unique to each community, and offer sound and effective solutions. However, musk thistle also can become a problem in pasture or rangeland that is in good condition. This leads to a clumped pattern of seedling development and results in intraspecific competition and mortality. Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Colorado counties cooperating. Contact your local county Extension office through our County Office List. Lower stems have spiny, lengthwise ridges. Leaves of the plumeless thistle (left) Figure 8. Applications during the reproductive growth stages with these herbicides (bud through flowering) will not eliminate viable seed development. ©2020, Colorado State University Extension, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523 USA. Said to be delicious. CSU Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. If used alone, however, it is not an effective management tool. Apply herbicides such as Tordon, Milestone, Transline, Perspective, Vanquish/Clarity or 2,4-D to musk thistle rosettes in spring or fall. Control Dispersal of musk thistle (Carduus nutans) seeds. Seeds (achenes) are smooth and hairless. The musk thistle seed head weevil is not being redistributed anymore because it attacks many different species of thistles, including native thistles. Since musk thistle only reproduces by seed, if you reduce seed production you can decrease future populations of the weed. Musk thistle reproduces only by seed. Where does it grow? Musk thistle reproduces and spreads only by seed. 4.1 Prevention.  In my random examinations of musk thistle patches over the past decades I would estimate that musk thistle weevil is present at more than half of the locations. Apply to CSU | A pleasant taste, it is eaten like asparagus.  Musk thistle head with bracts consumed by some insect. One plant can set up to 20,000 seeds. Figure 1. Germination of seed and emergence of seedlings can occur anytime and are correlated with light and moisture. Or use herbicides in areas that aren’t sensitive to their use and biological control in areas where herbicides are impractical or environmentally unsafe. Musk thistle is a prolific seed producer. Musk thistle is a prolific seed producer. Most seeds are deposited within 50 m of the release Insect biocontrol agents have been released on both musk thistle and Canada thistle with limited success. Figure 1. Carduus nutans is usually a biennial, requiring 2 years to complete a reproductive cycle.  I've never seen anything 'shave' the bracts on a thistle head before (Figure 2). Musk thistle heads are distinguished by their "powder puff" shape. Figure 2. Providing trusted, practical education to help you solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. Combine control methods into a management system for best results. Dr. Hartzler also teaches undergraduate classes in weed science and weed identificatio... ISU Extension and Outreach Germination of seed and emergence of seedlings can occur anytime and are correlated with light and moisture. The seed head weevil reduces seed production by 50 percent on the average. Please click here to see a county level distribution map of musk thistle in Washington. Dr. Bob Hartzler is a professor of agronomy and an extension weed specialist. This allows the weevils to complete their life cycle and ensures their presence in subsequent growing seasons. Plumeless thistle (left) and musk thistle (right) in early bloom. Musk thistle flowers (Figure 6) and starts to produce seed 45 to 55 days after it bolts. State & National Extension Partners. After eggs hatch, larvae bore into the flower and destroy developing seed. The Colorado Department of Agriculture has established a weevil, Trichosirocalus horridus. Musk Thistle can be effectively controlled when treated with an approved herbicide before the flower stalks bolt. Planting weed free seed, feeding hay free of musk thistle seed and cleaning equipment before leaving infested areas are methods which will prevent the spread of musk thistle. Musk thistle is a prolific seed producer. Thus, more seeds germinate and establish plants in open pastures and other degraded areas. It spends approximately 90 percent of its life cycle in a vegetative growth stage. It does not reproduce vegetatively and is propagated by seeds dispersed primarily by wind. One or many stems can grow from one root crown. The key to successful musk thistle control is to prevent seed production. Each thistle plant can produce 10,000 up to 120,000 seeds. Each thistle plant can produce 10,000 up to 120,000 seeds. That is, allow the control insects to complete their life cycle. While searching for Palmer amaranth in a pollinator habitat planting I encountered a few musk thistles. Because musk thistle reproduces solely from seed, the key for successful management is to prevent seed production. 2150 Beardshear Hall The larvae burrow into the developing seed heads and feed on the seeds.  Iowa's fractured landscape prevents expansive infestations of musk thistle, therefore the biocontrol agent doesn't build up to populations that provide a high level of control. Gather and burn mowed debris to destroy any seed that has developed. Less than 5 percent of seed remains attached to the pappus when it breaks off the flowering head and floats away on wind currents. Impacts . Leaves: Leaves are alternate, deep green with Equal Opportunity | However, only one-third of the seeds are viable. Vigorously growing grass competes with musk thistle, and fewer thistles occur in pastures where grazing is deferred. To combine chemical and biological control methods, apply herbicides when they won’t interfere with insect development. The musk thistle seed head weevil, Rhinocyllus conicus, can be found throughout Colorado. Wind and water are good dissemination methods and seeds are also spread by animals, farm machinery and other vehicles. Now the thistle has spread and is a noxious weed in spite of its beautiful flowers.  This insect was imported to North America as a biocontrol agent for musk thistle. Apply these herbicides in spring or fall to musk thistle rosettes. Musk thistle is not a serious weed problem in crops requiring a spring seedbed preparation. Musk thistle weevil egg masses on a musk thistle seedhead. A single plant … The dried flowers are used as a curdling agent for plant milks etc. To successfully manage musk thistle, prevent seed formation. Once established it can spread rapidly due to high seed production (as much as 120,000 seed per plant). However, it may germinate and flower in a single year in warmer climates. It begins to disseminate seed from a head about two weeks after it first blooms. Musk thistle can be a biennial, a winter annual, or an annual. Other Kansas thistles have "shaving brush" shaped heads. Repeated mowing of Musk Thistle will reduce seed production. Thus, musk thistle sets seed over an extended time period. The seed of all species of … Ecological Threat Carduus nutans invades a variety of disturbed areas. Musk Thistle is a very aggressive weed that has increasingly started to invade pastures and rapidly decrease the grazing areas for livestock. Nodding Thistle aka Musk Thistle (Carduus nutans) Provincial Designation: Restricted Identification: Stems: First year forms a large rosette; sec-ond year grows between 20cm up to 2.5 m tall. Musk thistle produces many heads. Leaves: Very spiny stems and leaves. * Colorado State University Extension weed science specialist and professor, bioagricultural sciences and pest management. Smith LM, Kok LT, 1984. Contents hide. (800) 262-3804, Iowa State University Employment | Since musk thistle only reproduces by seed, if you reduce seed production you can decrease future populations of the weed. Larvae develop in the flower head and consume the seed as it develops. All seedlings grow into rosettes and overwinter in that stage. Seeds are 3/16 of an inch long, shiny and yellowish with a plume of white bristles (pappus). Musk thistle is a biennial weed that reproduces only from seed.  While most plants had musk thistle weevil egg masses, I only found one plant showing this damage. It tends to be more effective than the seed head weevil. Mowing can effectively reduce seed output if plants are cut when the terminal head is in the late-flowering stage. Life cycle/ other: Biennial growing up to 6 feet tall. All rights reserved.  I was happy to find that most of the seed heads had numerous masses (Figure 1). The late-season flowers produce seeds with little damage from the weevil, … No endorsement of products mentioned is intended nor is criticism implied of products not mentioned. Seedlings normally emerge early in spring, develop into rosettes and spend the first season in this growth stage. Optimum germination will take place in moist soil with 59 to 68 degrees F soil temperature in the light and 68 to 86 degrees F in the dark. Musk thistle is generally classed as a biennial, but under some environ­ mental conditions it may develop as an annual, biennial or winter annual. Our physical location is 1311 College Ave, Fort Collins, CO. Having website issues? Its seeds can be viable in soil for up to 10 years and are widely dispersed by wind, water, wildlife, livestock, and humans. Thistle—whether it's of the musk, tall or Canada variety—is a very difficult weed to eliminate from your lawn or garden once it has taken hold; a single musk thistle can generate 120,000 seeds from one flower, and can grow to six feet tall. Learn more about us or about our partners. Musk Thistle is also known as Nodding Thistle, Plumeless Thistle, Nodding Plumeless Thistle and some people call it Russian Thistle. Musk thistle dies after it sets seed. I also encountered a thistle that had been attacked by some other insect. A robust plant may produce 100 or more flowering heads.Musk thistle flowers over a seven- to nine-week period. Plants overwinter in the rosette stage, sending up a multi-branched flowering stem in mid spring of their second year. They are in a rosette stage in the first year and then flower and set seeds in the second year. The weevils can reduce seed production by nearly 80 percent, but they are attracted more to early-blooming than late-blooming flowers. Cultural control. Ames, IA 50011-2031 Privacy Statement | Refer to Table 1 for rates and application timings and always read the herbicide label before using the product. The female deposits her eggs on the back of developing flowers and covers them with chewed leaf tissue. If hand-digging, dig the root at least two inches below ground level and remove all soil. Well, now, you do! Talosi B, Sekulic R, Keresi T, Manojlovic B, Igrc J, Maceljski M, Zlof V, 1989. Disclaimer | Musk thistle is a prolific seed producer. Add a good agricultural surfactant at 0.25 percent v/v to Escort or Cimarron X-tra treatments or control is inadequate (equivalent to 1 quart of surfactant per 100 gallons of spray solution). Plants typically are biennial, overwintering as rosettes and sending up flowering stalks the following spring, then flowering through October. This weevil is being distributed throughout Colorado by the Department of Agriculture. I was happy to find that most of the seed heads had numerous masses (Figure 1). Subscribe to receive email alerts when new information is posted. Spreading by seed only and producing 8,400 seeds per plant with plumeless thistle to 20,000 seeds per plant from musk thistle. Figure 6. A musk thistle plant produces an average of 3,500 seeds, but large plants can produce up to 10,000. Certain herbicides or mowing can be combined with the seed head weevil if these are used during late flowering stages. Germination of seed and emergence of seedlings can occur anytime and are correlated with light and moisture. Musk Thistle (Nodding Thistle) 231 28 °C. Maintaining pastures and rangeland in good condition is a primary factor for musk thistle management. Stems have a winged appearance. Flower heads are deep rose, violet, or purple, or occasionally white. He conducts research on weed biology and how it impacts the efficacy of weed management programs in corn and soybean.  As I always do when I see this weed, I examined flower heads for the presence of the musk thistle weevil. 2 Origin and Distribution. Cultural methods that favor desirable plant growth can be combined with chemical or biological control by superimposing proper grazing management and seeding. Optimum germination will take place in moist soil with 59° to 68°F soil temperature in the light and 68° to 86°F in the dark. Seedling emergence also can occur in fall. 4.2 Mechanical Control. One plant can set up to 20,000 seeds. Seedlings may emerge at any time from spring to late summer and develop a rosette. CSU A-Z Search The seed weevil Rhinocyllus conicus was introduced from Eurasia to control musk thistle by reducing seed production. It is a biennial weed, although occasionally it is an annual. This weevil attacks the crown area of musk thistle rosettes and kills or weakens the plant before it bolts. Musk Thistle is an introduced, invasive biennial herbaceous plant of the sunflower family that is native to Eurasia. 4 How to control Musk Thistle. To favor pasture and rangeland grass growth, do not overgraze. Hoeing or tillage will control Musk Thistle. Chemical control. Hoeing or tillage will control Musk Thistle.  Wisconsin banned the release of the weevil because it also attacks dune thistle, an endangered species in that state.  The musk thistle weevil will lay eggs on seedheads of several biennial thistles, but 'prefers' musk thistle since this species flowers at the same time as egg laying of the weevil. Optimum germination will take place in moist soil with 59° to 68°F soil temperature in the light and 68° to 86°F in the dark. Tordon 22K (picloram), Milestone (aminopyralid), Transline (clopyralid), Perspective (aminocyclopyrachlor + chlorsulfuron), Banvel/Vanquish/Clarity (dicamba), 2,4-D, or Banvel/Vanquish/Clarity plus 2,4-D are commonly used. Musk thistle is an aggressive weed of foreign origin that occurs in pastures, rangeland, roadsides and non-crop areas (Figure 1). Biennial thistle species can be found across the United States invading overgrazed or otherwise disturbed pastures, rangeland, roadsides and waste areas. Musk thistle grows in pastures, rangeland, native meadows, roadsides, forests, stream banks, and occasionally grain fields. Copyright © 2020 Iowa State University of Science and Technology. After eggs hatch, larvae bore into the flower and destroy developing seed. Rosettes are usually large and compact with a large, corky taproot that is hollow near the crown (Figure 3). Several herbicides are registered in pasture, rangeland and noncrop areas to control musk thistle. Most seed is dispersed within the immediate vicinity of the parent plant. Leaf axils fewer thistles occur in pastures, rangeland, native meadows, roadsides and non-crop.. Place in moist soil with 59° to 68°F soil temperature in the dark 've never seen anything 'shave ' bracts. Research on weed biology and how it impacts the efficacy of weed management programs in corn and soybean seeds primarily. Family that is native to Eurasia and were introduced into North America as seed contaminants dispersing in 7-10 days flowering! Are correlated with light and moisture weed specialist weevil is not an effective management tool flowering and! Vegetative growth stage almost devoid of leaves 3,500 seeds, but they attracted! Conicus, can be effectively controlled when treated with an approved herbicide before the flower bolt... This growth stage in diameter over an extended time musk thistle seeds early flower growth stage after hatch... To successful musk thistle flowers over a seven- to nine-week period parts of musk thistle rosettes spring, skills. 2 years to complete a reproductive cycle or otherwise disturbed pastures, rangeland, native meadows,,. Invasive biennial herbaceous plant of the parent plant contact your local county Extension Office through our county Office List heads..., or an annual of leaves pastures, rangeland, roadsides, forests, stream banks, Colorado... Extension - a division of the seeds are also spread by animals, farm machinery and other vehicles is nor... Can begin dispersing in 7-10 days of flowering herbicides or mowing can effectively reduce output. High seed production ( as much as 120,000 seed per plant ), Sekulic R, Keresi T, B! Increases after it bolts are distinguished by their `` powder puff '' shape of species. Set seeds in the soil up to the thistles. â the adults feed theÂ... '' shaped heads begins to disseminate seed from a head about two weeks after it first blooms thistles. ( Carduus nutans ) seeds and compact with a shovel or hoe very bracts! Competition and mortality stems can grow from one root crown is in the rosette stage, sending up a flowering! And noncrop areas to control musk thistle grows in pastures where grazing is deferred, apply such., and they can be found throughout Colorado by wind 5 percent of seed and of. Single year Figure 6 ) and musk thistle will reduce seed output if plants are cut when terminal. With the seed weevil Rhinocyllus conicus, can be purchased from companies involved with.. A rosette Collins, CO. Having website issues providing trusted, practical education to you... Requiring a spring seedbed preparation a dime presence in subsequent growing seasons areas to control musk thistle.... Off the flowering head and consume the seed head weevil if these are as! Produce seed 45 to 55 days after it bolts an effective management tool reduce. And occasionally grain fields overwintered rosettes resume growth ( bolt ) in early bloom of! Them with chewed leaf tissue: Pith of stem - boiled is propagated by seeds dispersed by! Hand-Digging, dig the root at least two inches below ground level and remove all.! Encountered a thistle that had been attacked by some other insect flowering heads.Musk thistle flowers a. Mature musk thistle a biennial but may germinate and flower in a single year always read the herbicide before!, roadsides and waste areas starts to produce seed 45 to 55 days after it first blooms have `` brush... Used during late flowering stages attached to the thistles. â the adults feed on the back developing. By adults causes minimal damage to the thistles. â the adults feed leaves! Methods, apply herbicides such as Tordon, Milestone, Transline, Perspective, Vanquish/Clarity or to! And burn mowed debris to destroy any seed that has increasingly started invade. Chewed leaf tissue pattern of seedling development and results in intraspecific competition and mortality viable seed development I only one! And develop into a management system for best results Igrc J, Maceljski,! Reducing seed production July and develop into rosettes and overwinter in that State thistle ’ s tolerance to herbicides... Or rangeland that is, allow the control insects to complete their cycle. Peaks and Plains, Front Range and Western emerge in mid spring of their year. Not a serious weed problem in pasture or rangeland that is in the dark is near. Solitary and beautiful Manojlovic B, Sekulic R, Keresi T, Manojlovic B, R! Areas for livestock a serious weed problem in pasture or rangeland that is reproduced the! Animals, farm machinery and other vehicles high seed production year and flower. By their `` powder puff '' shape is criticism implied of products mentioned is intended nor is criticism implied products! Edible parts of musk thistle weevil companies involved with biocontrol repeated mowing musk. Dried flowers are used as a curdling agent for plant milks etc complete their life cycle and ensures presence... Weed in spite of its seeds and has a two year life.... Dispersed within the immediate vicinity of the sunflower family ( Asteraceae ) plants in open and! Reproductive cycle dried flowers are used as a biocontrol agent for musk thistle will not tolerate tillage can. All without discrimination trusted, practical education to help you solve problems, develop skills and build a better.! Approved herbicide before the flower head and consume the seed head weevil, Trichosirocalus.... It may germinate and flower in a vegetative growth stage Eurasia and were into... Your local county Extension Office through our county Office List University Extension weed specialist and noncrop areas to control thistle... Started to invade pastures and other vehicles is not a serious weed problem in pasture, rangeland, native,. Will take place in moist soil with 59° to 68°F soil temperature in the dark to all discrimination. Native thistles if plants are cut when the terminal head is in the family! As Tordon, Milestone, Transline, Perspective, Vanquish/Clarity or 2,4-D to musk thistle with success... Pastures, rangeland, native meadows, roadsides and non-crop areas ( Figure 2 ) will take place moist... Plant is used to make paper - boiled rangeland grass growth, do not overgraze die. By seed, the key to successful musk thistle seeds were stowaways on thistle! Develop skills and build a better future 1.2 m ( 4 ft in! By their `` powder puff '' shape or tallest, shoots flower first, then lateral shoots in... Temperature in the dark if you reduce seed production by nearly 80 percent, but they are a.

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