Canada thistle inhabits agricultural land and other disturbed locations. Canada thistle can reproduce by seed and has male and female flowers on separate plants. Reproduction: Canada thistle reproduce both by seed and vegetatively through creeping roots. Reproduction and spread. Small localized infestations occurring in Canada thistle (aka creeping thistle) is a determined weed if ever there was one. Canada thistle seedlings develop a perennial habit (the ability to reproduce from their root systems) about seven to eight weeks after germination. Canada thistle begins to flower in late spring to early summer in response to 14- to … Legal status: Canada thistle is considered a noxious weed in 46 states including Indiana. It stores food energy in its extensive root system both to survive the winter and to fuel the plant's reproductive drive the following season. According to some taxonomists, four varieties or biotypes exist that differ in growth habit, leaf characteristics, seed germination, and development. New plants can develop from underground shoots and roots longer than 1 cm. Seeds will look like white tufts and rante from 2-4mm long. Canada thistle is a state-listed noxious weed in California and many other states. Reproduction: Canada thistle spreads quickly through horizontal roots; Each individual plant can produce 1000 to 1500 seeds. is an almost perfectly dioecious, perennial plant that can express strong vegetative reproduction by means of its extensive root system. Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) (L.) Scop. It is unwanted due to some thistles' aggressive reproduction ability. Canada thistle spreads both by seeds and by budding from underground roots. These multiple reproduction strategies enable Canada thistle to quickly dominate an area and outcompete native species. Reproduction occurs by windblown seeds and creeping rhizomes. Flowers can be white or purple, blooming in June to August. It also invades wet areas with fluctuating water levels such as streambanks, sedge meadows, and wet prairies. One musk thistle plant alone can, for … Since Canada thistle allocates most of its reproductive energy into vegetative reproduction, this feature can be manipulated to the land manager’s advantage. Growth habit: Deep-rooted and colony-forming perennial. Life Cycle. The thistle is disliked by many and branded a weed. A high priority in Canada thistle management is to focus on early detection and taking immediate measures to prevent establishment. Canada thistle invades natural areas such as prairies, savannas, open areas in forests, and dunes if some degree of disturbance already exists. The flower heads can prolifically produce seeds for dissemination far and wide, including by wind pollination. Canada Thistle and its Control . This broadleaf weed thrives in crop fields, abandoned fields, poorly maintained lawns, prairies, meadows, vacant lots and along roadsides and railroads. In May, new shoots bolt. Canada thistle is difficult to control because of its reproductive strategies—a perennial plant which reproduces by both seed and vegetative growth. Canada thistle leaves are lance-shaped with irregular lobes and sharp prickly margins. An aggressive spreader with spear-like foliage topped with pointy, barb-like hairs, this invader does its very best to intimidate. Because of its aggressive nature, it can also invade lawns and gardens. It is a non-native invasive species from Europe, and landowners with Canada thistle on their property are obligated to take measures to control it. Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), is a spreading perennial weed of crops, pastures, and disturbed sites.It is most troublesome in perennial crops, rangeland, and areas where reduced tillage is practiced. 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