Italian Thistle
Carduus pycnocephalus
Plant Description
Cobwebby hairs cover stems and undersides of leaves, spiny wings on stems. Leaves are deeply incised with slightly woolly undersurface. Purplish to pinkish flowers that can either be solitary or in clusters.
Plant Details
| Life Forms | |
|---|---|
| Habitats | |
| ODA Listing | |
| Soil and Moisture Conditions | |
| Suggested Actions | |
| Shade Preference | |
| Mature Height | 1-4' |
| Distribution | Found in western Oregon. |
| Control | Cover with black plastic, dig, hand-pull, or till small infestations. For larger infestations, tilling or use of chemicals are more effective. |
| Reproduction and Spread | Produces up to 20,000 seeds per plant that are dispersed by wind. |
| Introduced | native to the Mediterranean. First recorded in Lane County in 1929. |
| Look Alikes | other thistles |
| Impact | Degrades rangelands and pastures, creates dense stands. |
| More Info |
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