Is this a milk thistle

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by Charlotte E, Jun 19, 2014.

  1. Charlotte E

    Charlotte E Active Member

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    This is growing on South Pender Island and I want to know if it is a milk thistle which is considered an invasive species. In any case I will be removing it. I just want to know what I am dealing with. Thanks for viewing.
     

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  2. pathe

    pathe Active Member

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    Looks like Cirsium vulgare (Bull Thistle).
     
  3. Charlotte E

    Charlotte E Active Member

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    Thanks. Now that I have looked at images of both, I can see the differences.
     
  4. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Spear Thistle Cirsium vulgare (not Bull Thistle)
     
  5. Charlotte E

    Charlotte E Active Member

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    Thanks. It looks like the best control method is to not let it go to seed, and dig the root.
     
  6. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Cirsium vulgare been known as Bull Thistle, Spear Thistle, Plume Thistle, Boar Thistle, Scotch Thistle...
     
  7. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Spear Thistle is the correct English name though.
     
  8. Daniel Mosquin

    Daniel Mosquin Paragon of Plants UBC Botanical Garden Forums Administrator Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Note that the use of the word "Scotch" (when not applied to specific products like food or drink) is considered a pejorative in Scotland. Better to let that common name for this thistle fade away.
     
  9. Margaret

    Margaret Active Member 10 Years

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  10. wcutler

    wcutler Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout 10 Years

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    It seems a bit over-reacting. The Scottish National Tourism Organization, on their Visit Scotland pages, under "Uniquely Scottish", titles their page about it "Scottish Thistle" but does say
    scotland.com's blog calls it "the thistle". :)
     

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