Canada thistle
About This Species
Canada thistle (Creeping thistle, California thistle, Cursed thistle) is a shiny green, spiny thistle native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. It’s likely one of the first invasive species introduced to North America and received its name by early settlers blaming its emergence on French traders from Canada.
Plants form thick infestations through creeping rhizomatous roots that crowd out forage grasses in pastures and rangelands, reducing crop yields and production. Canada thistle is commonly found growing on roadsides, cultivated fields, pastures, logged forests, riverbanks, and other disturbed areas where it also out-grows native species. It’s even considered an injurious weed species within its native range. Canada thistle is designated as a Provincial Noxious Weed by the BC Weed Control Act.
How to Identify
Canada thistle is a shiny green, spiny plant that can grow from 0.3-2.0 m tall. It can be distinguished from other thistles by its smooth spine-less stem.
Flowers are white to purple and grow in clusters of up to five pompom-like flowers on stem tips with a faint vanilla scent. Seeds look like a dandelion i.e., parachute-type seeds. Its flowers are typically smaller than other thistle species.
Its leaves are a glossy green with sharp, spiny edges and has white hairs on the underside.
Take Action
Prevention is the best approach.
- Canada thistle Factsheet PDF
-
If you need advice about invasive species on your property or you are concerned about reported invasives in your local area, contact your local government or regional invasive species organization.
PlayCleanGo
Learn about best practices
REPORT TO PROTECT BC’S BIODIVERSITY
Use the app
Observe and report to protect BC’s biodiversity
Report through this website
Use our form to tell us what you’re seeing and where.
