Scotch Thistle

Identification

Biennial, first year has a large amount of soft white hair on the upper leaf surface. Towering, 4-8 feet depending on available moisture; winged tissue along stem. Purple flower in June.

Economics

A wasteland weed, if not controlled presses into farmland and can densely cover any area not under intense cultivation.

Chemical Control

Scotch Thistle is fairly easy to control the first year of growth, or early in the second year, prior to bolting. Contact your local weed control supervisor, or chemical consultant for specific recommendations.

Biological Control

No biological controls are available, can be manually removed if enough of the tap root is taken, so that regrowth doesn't occur.