Asteraceae

Cirsium arvense

Canada Thistle

Stems erect, in dense colonies. Leaves sessile, green on both sides, lance-shaped, lobed, with short spines. Flower heads small, red to pink or lavender. Cup 3/4 in. high. Dioecious. Grows in fields, open areas, disturbed soils, at low to mid elevations. A noxious weed sometimes found in great abundance.

• Rarity: Common
• Flowering Time: All Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 20--40 inches
• Habitat: Meadow, West-Side Forest, East-Side Forest, Disturbed, Coastal
• Found In: Olympic Np, Mt. Rainier Np, N Cascades Np
• Native: No