Bull Thistle
Cirsium vulgare
We all know this beast. It's an alien plant. Bull thistle is classified as a noxious, restricted, or prohibited weed or weed seed in 10 states in the United States and 2 Canadian provinces .
Alien: Native of Europe.
Identification: Flower heads ovate, topped with a spray of lavender to purple florets. Flower head bracts elongate, tipped with yellow spines, lower bracts curving downward. Stem covered with isolated spines and isolated plates with spines. Leaves heavily incised, each lobe tipped with a long spine. Leaves pale green or white and woolly below. Plant 2 to 6 feet in height.
Distribution: Throughout North America.
Habitat: Bull Thistle is a species of disturbed sites including fields, pastures, and roadsides.
Flowering period: June to September.