Canadian thistle
plant
Also known as: Cirsium arvense
Quick Summary
Canadian thistle (Cirsium arvense) is a European plant that has become a troublesome weed in North America. It is characterized by prickly leaves and dense heads of small, usually pink or purple flowers. This species was first documented in 1796 and is naturalized as a weed in North America. While the word "thistle" can refer to various prickly plants, Canadian thistle is a notable example within the Cirsium genus.12
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