Plumeless Thistle
Management Prioritization
Identification
Common Names: Plumeless Thistle, Spiny Plumeless Thistle
Scientific Name: Carduus acanthoides L.
Legal Status: Prohibited - Control
Efforts must be made to prevent seed maturation and dispersal of plants into new areas. Additionally, no transportation, propagation, or sale of these plants is allowed. Failure to comply may result in enforcement action by the county or local municipality. Minnesota Noxious Weed Law .
- Plumeless thistle is a biennial species that reproduces by seed.
- It grows 3- 5 feet tall.
Leaves
In the second year, the plant bolts, forming branched stems with alternate spiny-lobed leaves that are narrower and wavier than the closely related musk thistle.
Plumeless thistle leaf
Stem
The stems are branched and covered with numerous spiny leaves. The spines extend onto and around the stem, giving it the appearance of having clusters of leafy spines throughout.
Plumeless thistle stem with spines and leaves along the stem.
Flower
Flowers are small, purple to pink, singular or in clusters, and subtended by numerous needle-like bracts. The plant blooms on the end of stems mid-June to August and can be bulbous in shape.
Plumeless thistle flower
Plumeless thistle mature flower with seed
Bruce Ackley, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License .
Rosette
Plumeless thistle forms a seedling and rosette in it's first year. The rosettes have deeply lobed, narrow, and spiny leaves. Rosettes and mature plants have taproots.
Plumeless thistle seedling
Plumeless thistle rosette Todd Pfeiffer, Klamath County Weed Control, Bugwood.org licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License .
Distribution
Current Distribution Model
- Point data collected from EDDMapS; not all locations in the state have been recorded, but points on distribution map have been reported and verified.
- Distribution model takes location data and environmental factors into account to create a prediction of current distribution
Management Prioritization
Influenced by:
- distribution models
- actual reports
- economic benefits
- land cover
- conservation features
- trails
High priority areas surround areas of high density to prevent further large infestations and loss of biodiversity.
Infestation Examples
01 / 03
1
General Infested Area
Management here is involved.
2
Leading Edge
Sparse populations in the transition from 'infested' areas to un-infested areas.
Management is involved but can prevent further spread or large establishment of stands.
3
Isolated Population
Location far from other known populations.
Management here is efficient and cost effective.
Lifecycle: Treatment Timing
Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). The Trust Fund is a permanent fund constitutionally established by the citizens of Minnesota to assist in the protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources. Currently 40% of net Minnesota State Lottery proceeds are dedicated to growing the Trust Fund and ensuring future benefits for Minnesota’s environment and natural resources.
