bull thistle

Spear thistle, Common thistle

Height: Rosette (small round clump of leaves close to the ground) the first year, 3-6 feet the second year

Flower Color: Purple 

Leaves: Coarsely lobed with a spine on the tip of each lobe

Habitat: Disturbed areas (pastures, roadsides, and ditches)

Growing Season: July - September (or until the first hard frost)

Best Time to Treat: Early spring and/or late fall 

• Not poisonous 
• Distasteful to grazing animals