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Bull Thistle Cirsium vulgare

Bull Thistle is a deep-rooted biennial. This weed is found throughout the United States. Primarily growing in pastures and roadside ditches. Its numerous prickly spines make this weed an unwelcome guest in lawns.

The leaves appear as a rosette the first year - especially when mowed. Flowering stem appears the second year.

You can differentiate this weed from Musk Thistle by its hairy leaves. Mature Musk Thistle leaves usually lack hairs.

Characteristics:

• Biennial
• Spreads by seeds
• Prickly spines on leaves and stems and flower bracts
• Serrated, hairy leaves
• Leaves are alternate along the flowering stem
• Flowers are 1 1/2" to 2" wide - pink to purple
• Flowers from June to October