Cirsium arvense

Photo Credit: 
C Evans
IL Wildlife Action Plan
Bugwood.org

One of the worst invasive plants in North America, Canada thistle has some defenders, since insects and birds do utilize it.  Wicked thorns on the leaves and stems, even in seedlings.

Plant Information

Common Name(s): 
creeping thistle
Canada thistle
Type: 
Non-Native
Herbaceous Plants - Annuals, Biennials, Perennials
Invasive Level: 
Level 1
Status: 
Prohibited invasive in NYS
Moisture: 
Dry
Moist
Light: 
Sun
Part Sun
Attracts butterflies/pollinators
Can be weedy

Related Pages

Plant finder

After you start typing part of a plant scientific or common name, wait a few seconds and a clickable list will appear.
Advanced Search