Common Name:
CANADA THISTLE, FIELD THISTLE
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Coefficient of Conservatism:
*
Coefficient of Wetness:
3
Wetness Index:
FACU
Physiognomy:
Ad P-Forb
B. S. Walters
heads
Found at roadsides, ditches, railroads, fields, clearings, shores; disturbed swampy ground but not usually in very wet places; disturbed sites including filled land, parking areas, utility rights-of-way, dumps, neglected gardens, etc.
Widespread across Eurasia and northern Africa; introduced into North America before 1800. D. Cooley collected Canada thistle in Macomb Co. in 1851, noting “This plant has not yet become troublesome here, but is increasing.” This is a variable species, although most Michigan specimens are the spiny, glabrous var. horridum Wimmer & Grab. as described in the key. A few collections are var. arvense with the upper leaves unlobed and with small spines (up to 2 mm long). We have two collections, from Lenawee Co. (R. W. Smith 747, 4047, MICH), with leaves densely tomentose beneath, at most shallowly lobed, and also with small spines; such plants have been called var. vestitum Wimmer & Grab. White-flowered plants are rare, but have been collected in Baraga, Cheboygan, and Emmet Cos. [f. albiflorum E. L. Rand & Redfield]. This species is dioecious. Plants with only staminate flowers will not produce viable seed (although they may have a reduced pappus).