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habitatmatters.org

To learn more about identifying native and non-native thistles,
check out this pamphlet (page 1, page 2),
​created by sister-CISMA Wild Rivers Invasive Species Coalition

Why are these plants a problem?

Like most invasive plants, Canada thistle, bull thistle, and European swamp thistle (see below) threaten to replace native plants in high quality natural areas, which in turn reduces critical food resources for birds, butterflies, and other wild creatures. Non-native thistle populations exist in many natural areas, but there are also native thistles, like the marsh thistle (Cirsium muticum).
 
How do I manage non-native thistles?
Prevent invasions by restoring disturbed areas with native plants, which through increased resource competition helps prevent invasive plants from forming monocultures. Before beginning control efforts, develop a management plan that includes surveys so that you can ensure you're best prioritizing control efforts. Control methods vary from species to species. For bull thistle and swamp thistle, hand pull from early spring through early summer. Leave the plant onsite but remove flowers, which will still produce seed. For Canada thistle, chemical control is needed due to the large tap root and horizontal roots, and because the plant is a perennial. 
 
You can find very thorough treatment instructions using the Midwest Invasive Plant Network (MIPN) control database (http://mipncontroldatabase.wisc.edu/).
Canada Thistle ​(Cirsium arvense)
Introduced through contaminated agricultural seed from Europe and Northern Asia.

​Read the MISIN Fact Sheet
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European swamp thistle ​(Cirsium palustre)
Native to Europe. Introduction unknown.

​Read the MISIN Fact Sheet
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Bull thistle ​(Cirsium vulgare)
Native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa where it is an ornamental garden plant. Introduced to North America via contaminated agricultural seed. 
​This plant is illegal to sell, trade, plant, or share in Michigan, per Michigan's Natural Resources Environmental Protection Act (Part 413 of Act 451).

​Read the MISIN Fact Sheet
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MISIN Species Identification Training
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Report Invasive Species
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Contact US

1450 Cass Road
Traverse City, Michigan 49685
-
(231)941 - 0960
Pleasant Peninsula Design, Habitat Matters 2017 
  • Home
  • About
    • About ISN & FAQs
    • Our Team
    • Our Partners
    • ISN Board of Directors
    • Employment
    • Enewsletter
    • Blog - Notes from ISN
    • Donate to ISN
  • Events
  • ID & Report
    • Top 12 Species
    • Early Detection Species
    • Awareness Species
    • Other Invasive Species >
      • Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
      • Aquatic Invasive Species
      • Lymantria Moths (gypsy moth)
    • ID and Reporting Tools
  • Resources
    • Videos
    • Education
    • Tool Library
    • Garlic Mustard Dumpsters
    • Planting Guide/Ordinance Templates
    • Requests For Bids
    • Treatment Information
    • Other Information
    • Native Plant Seeds
    • Invasive Species in the News >
      • ISN in the News
  • Go Beyond Beauty
    • Find Participants >
      • Nurseries/Garden Centers >
        • Bioconcentric Farms
        • Birdsfoot Native Nursery
        • Black Cap Farms
        • Bright Lane Gardens
        • Garden Goods
        • Greystone Gardens
        • Misty Ridge
        • Pine Hill
      • Landscapers/Professionals >
        • Cre Woodard
        • Cyman Gardens
        • Designs in Bloom
        • Greener Earth Landscaping
        • Heritage Landscape Design
        • Inhabitect, LLC
        • Lakeview Habitats
        • Laurel Voran, LLC
        • The Mossy Tree, LLC
        • Old Mission Associates
        • Inner-Coastal
        • Pine Hill
        • Silverman & Company
        • Sustainable Landscape Design, LLC
        • TruNorth Landscaping
        • Wildlife & Wetland Solutions
      • Community Participants
    • GBB Achievement Program
    • Register >
      • Registration Form (Garden Professional)
      • Registration Form (Individual or other org)
      • Start-up Materials
      • GBB Statewide Inquiries
    • Ornamental Invasive Species
    • Native Plant Species
    • Participant Signs
    • Japanese Barberry Trade-Up Day
    • GBB Resources
  • Contact