Creeping Thistle - introduced (*Cirsium arvense)

Other names: Californian Thistle, Perennial Thistle.

Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family).

Native of Europe.

Occurrence: Generally uncommon in North-central Victoria.

Identification:

• it has creeping roots, which produce new plants
• it is an erect thistle to about a metre; the stems are branched towards the top
• the flowers are smaller than most thistles (with the flower base about 1 cm across)
• the flowers are pink to purple in colour
• the stems are grooved and usually without spines.

Notes: Creeping Thistle is a declared noxious weed, and is Restricted in North-central Victoria. It can be spread by seed, and from root fragments. It is a perennial.

Similar species: The creeping roots, the bare stems, and the smallish flower clusters help distinguish Creeping Thistle from other thistles.

Photo 1: Creeping Thistle. Little Hampton.

Above:2: Creeping Thistle. Woodend. 3: Dried specimen. Woodend.