bull thistle vs milk thistle

8 cups of vinegar. Healthline says milk thistle, or Silybum marianum, contains a compound called silymarin, which is known to have anti-oxidant, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. Yellow thistle (Cirsium horridulum) and its distribution. A thistle is the national emblem of Scotland. weevil (Trichosirocalus horridus) successfully decreased the severity of infestations Some of its leaves have white marbling. Blessed thistle is used to stimulate breast milk production, gastric acids, and saliva. available at all OSU Extension county offices. musk, scotch and Canada thistles to be noxious weeds and public nuisances in all counties Because bull thistle is so widespread, property owners in King County are not required to control it and we are not generally tracking infestations. It is a plant native to the Mediterranean, but is now cultivated around the world. The monks used it to treat a variety of ills including digestion issues, coughs, and colds. Common to Europe and Asia, but also found in the United States, milk thistle (Silybum marianum, zones 5-10) grows quickly and is oblivious to frost. There is, perhaps, no stronger, innate urge than for mothers to nourish their offspring. The current Thistle Law includes three of the five species. Infestations were identified early and were eradicated. After hatching, the larvae burrow into the seed-prodcuing tissues to feed, forming galls and reducing seed production. - Habitat, Species & Facts, Saki Monkey: Facts, Habitat, Behavior & Diet, Howler Monkey: Facts, Classification, Diet & Behavior, Working Scholars Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community. The flowerhead is supported by a large ray of hairless bracts at the base, that look sun-shaped from above. which thistles on their land they are required to control. See the biological control page for more information. appear, they should immediately be destroyed by chopping them off below ground or Blessed thistle is also referred to as holy thistle. In year two, they shoot up a large flower stalk. Of course a REAL Scotch thistle is so named because its so spiny that it helped repel a Viking invasion of Scotland in the Middle Ages On my other device Im seeing a comment from someone named Sonnet (not showing up here) who has a thistle spine stuck in their foot. The glutathione in SAMe prevents liver cells from . However, the use of herbal supplements incorporated into diet and exercise are thought to be a more organic and holistic approach to health and many people see that as a plus in today's world of overprocessed food. due to its invasive nature. While there may be some benefit to using blessed thistle to enhance breast. There is also a plant called edible thistle (Cirsium edule, zones 6-9), which the National Park Service says is native to western North America from southeastern Alaska through British Columbia to Washington and Oregon. Italian thistle also has several close relatives in California. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. jaundice. In addition to promoting lactation, blessed thistle is believed to stimulate appetite and treat diarrhea, indigestion, colds, and flu. In situations where prolactin production is inhibited, the milk supply can become insufficient. Both species mature to be about four feet tall and can grow in just about any environment. Blessed thistle is part of the Asteraceae family of plants. The entire plant is covered in thick bristly spine-like prickles and can be 2-5 feet. Breastfeeding women produce a hormone called prolactin, which stimulates the production of breastmilk. Download Article. Bull thistle is biennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 2 to 10, and Canada thistle is perennial in zones 2 to 8. Bull thistle, while common throughout Wisconsin, rarely forms large populations, but none the less can be problematic. Distaff thistle has solitary, yellow flowers at the top The . Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) can look a lot like Italian thistle, especially as a seedling. Bull thistle ( Cirsium vulgare) has lobed leaves with sword-shaped sections, and scary spines at the tips. Because the flowers on Russian thistle are green, they're not obvious from afar. This pink pincushion of a flower is morphologically fascinating at each stage of its development, and therefore I will argue, it is lovely in its own way. They 'learned' how to survive alongside human agriculture early on. Therefore, blessed thistle is used as a topical treatment for skin infections and wounds. This gives Denamarin more strength as it encourages the body to produce a substance called glutathione, which then helps the liver to produce new cells and regenerate old ones. This native thistle is a bountiful nectar source for native bees, and can grow to an astonishing 10 feet tall. of its leaves are covered in thick cotton-like hairs that give it a grayish-green All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Surprising how hard it is to find out! Milk thistle seeds are medicinal and often used in tea to help with liver and kidney ailments. Some are native, and some are invasive, but all are important to our ecosystem because they provide an important source of nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies and other pollinators as well as habitat and food for many other animals. Both blessed thistle and milk thistle are flowering, spikey plants in the Asteraceae family, which are believed to have multiple benefits beyond stimulating breast milk production. It has a grooved stem and is covered in a fuzzy cotton-like substance. they are not closely related to thistles. Cirsium species occur in Oklahoma, but are rarely encountered. Although it is intimidating in appearance and can sometimes form large infestations, this thistle is not as challenging to control as many others and is mainly a problem in hay fields and pastures. Bull thistle might be confused with native thistles as well as more serious noxious weeds such as milk thistle, a Class A noxious weed in Washington, and creeping thistle, a Class C noxious weed that is much more difficult to control. This plant also has a radial formation of basal (bottom) leaves. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. Prior to her teaching career, she was a Research & Development Scientist in the field of Immunohistochemistry. Commonly encountered native species include wavyleaf Between the leaves, a cobweb-like substance covers the plant, giving its nickname wolly distaff thistle. A personal favorite, Texas thistle is virtually indistinguishable from Engelmanns thistle. Prickles are on the tip of each tooth on a leaf, but are generally absent elsewhere, and typically a stem will produce only one flower. Cirsium altissimum(Tall thistle) Aside from the height, tall thistle's defining features are the long, prickly bracts at the base of the flower and its upper, elliptic leaves. As the tumbleweed rolls around, the seeds spread and the growing cycle begins again. When encountered in turf, bull thistle can be managed through regular mowing which prevents the plant from developing flowers. Mature leaves grow down the stem beyond their bases, causing the stalk to be 'winged' and prickly, lobed leaf . 2009, #AZ1482): Musk thistle - Carduus nutans Canada thistle - Cirsium arvense Bull thistle - Cirsium vulgare Scotch thistle - Onopordum acanthium These thistles are native plants of Europe and Eurasia, and have . Many Carduus species are annual or biennial rather than perennial; musk thistle (Carduus nutans), for example, is a biennial in USDA hardiness zones 7 and above, while Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus) is usually an annual. A native to Europe, smallseed falseflax was first introduced to North America in the 19th century, likely as a contaminant in flax seed (Linum usitatissimum L.) and other crops (Francis and Warwick 2009). Flowering heads are completely lacking in cobwebby pubescence thats so common in Cirsium species. Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is a biennial that is commonly found throughout the United States and southern Canada. This thistle doesn't have the milky striping, and its leaves are hairier than Italian or milk thistle. Laura Goodman, Tom Royer, Alex Rocateli. Musk thistle (Carduus nutans) and its distribution. To contact staff, see the Noxious Weed Control Program Directory, send an email, or call 206-477-WEED (206-477-9333). Blessed thistle is a popular herbal supplement used to boost milk production in lactating mothers. Yellowspine thistle may be helpful in treating diabetes, and was once taken as contraceptive by the Zuni people. and yellow thistle (Cirsium horridulum), in southeastern Oklahoma. But it is more of a bushy plant. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a herb that is used for a variety of liver ailments and gallbladder disorders, including: Some research has also linked milk thistle to help with infertility issues, cancer, nasal allergies, and even help improve the flow of breast milk in nursing mothers. They also play an important role Milk thistle is partial to rocky soil and can grow up to 4 feet tall. Leaves are green on both sides, rather than a white underside. This makes many people skeptical, including some physicians and nurses. Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus) is probably the most common. Create your account. Place powdered seeds into tea ball. It is sometimes sold as "Silymarin" or "Chardon-Marie" (derived from carduus marianus). Distaff thistle (Carthamus lanatus) was found in McClain County in the mid-1970s and later in Grady County. Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board, Pacific Northwest Weed Management Handbook, King County bull thistle best management practices, University of Washington Burke Museum Herbarium Image Collection - Cirsium vulgare, Branching, erect biennial, 2 to 6 feet tall, Rosettes form in first year, flowering stems the second, Long, sharp spines on the leaves at the midrib and the tips of the lobes, Leaves are deeply lobed and hairy - there are coarse hairs on leaf tops, making leaf feel rough to the touch, and woolly hairs on the underside, Leaf bases extend down onto stems and form spiny wings along the stems, Flower heads are "gumdrop" shaped and spines extend all around the base of the flower heads. of the state. Distaff thistle (Carthamus lanatus) and its distribution. and released in other Oklahoma counties. The use of blessed thistle is not limited to breastfeeding. Marcy, while holding her third newborn son in her arms, suggested trying herbal supplements to help clear her body. And I felt a bit dizzy after, but that might have been from the heat. spines become more numerous on older leaves. - Definition & Types, Valerian Root: Side Effects & Drug Interactions, Ajuga Parviflora: Medicinal Uses & Chemical Constituents, Ajuga Reptans: Varieties & their Medicinal Uses, Milk Thistle: Dosage, Side Effects & Overdose Symptoms, Milk Thistle: Drug Interactions & Contraindications, Alternative Medicine for Digestive Issues, Understanding & Administering Doxycycline, CSET Health Science Subtest III (180) Prep, Ohio State Test - Physical Science: Practice & Study Guide, MTLE Middle Level Science: Practice & Study Guide, MTLE Life Science: Practice & Study Guide, PSSA - Science Grade 8: Test Prep & Practice, OSAT Chemistry (CEOE) (004): Practice & Study Guide, Virginia SOL - Chemistry: Test Prep & Practice, Capuchin Monkey: Habitat, Food Chain & Lifespan, Capuchin Monkey Types: White-Fronted & White-Faced, Capuchin Types: Black-Capped, Golden-Bellied, Black & Blond, Squirrel Monkeys: Behavior, Classification, Diet & Facts, Squirrel Monkey Mating: Reproduction & Lifespan, Squirrel Monkey Types: Common, Central American & Black-Capped, Night Monkeys: Black-Headed, Andean & Northern, What is a Titi Monkey? The milk thistle is a plant with variegated leaves with milky white veins. The striking yellow thistle (Cirsium horridulum). Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium) invaded Oklahoma from the west. One more benefit when discussing the milk thistle vs. TUDCA in the human body comprises the aid in the secretion of bile in the liver naturally. It has 1- to 2-inch upright flowers The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Use about 1 tablespoon of milk thistle seed powder per cup of tea. Though the different thistles share similar characteristics, there are ways to identify each individual type. It is a perennial that spreads by underground stems or rhizomes. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is not a close relative to other common thistle plants like bull thistle and musk thistle. 1950s and several more in Bryan County in the 1970s, but currently, no infestations (Eryngium leavenworthii) and American basketflower (Centaurea americana) although Annual Russian thistle (Salsola tragus) is often found in the American West. Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense, zones 4-7) is also difficult to control and can quickly infect gardens and fields. Biennial thistle with the upper stems and branches winged with a wavy, prickly tissue. Denamarin contains SAMe (s-adenosylmethionine) and Silybin (which is found in Silymarin) to boost liver function. If left to grow, this type of thistle can reach 3 to 4 feet tall and will have soft, green, spear-shaped leaves that are covered with barbs. At present, it does not appear to be a major Its spiny, winged stems and both sides In this episode of the Northwest Forager we'll head out to the farm to forage flowers of the Bull Thistle aka Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare). If your site has animals grazing, please read instructions carefully on grazing restrictions. It has wooly hair on the On the internet, many websites and blogs are proclaiming that milk thistle can support thyroid hormone health simply by means of Milk thistle has been used to treat upset stomach, liver and gallbladder ailments. Throughout history, people have sought out ways to stimulate and improve lactation (the secretion of milk from mammary glands). counties. Among them are the use of herbal medicines. Categorized as threatened in Arkansas, swamp thistle has special value to bumble bees This plant features hairy stem, and more narrow flower heads (less than 1 1/4 inch wide). Thistle is the common name of a group of flowering plants characterised by leaves with sharp prickles on the margins, mostly in the family Asteraceae.Prickles can also occur all over the plant - on the stem and on the flat parts of the leaves. Its leaves are less pinnately divided than engelmannii, with leaves greatly reduced in size near the top of the plant. The pink to reddish purple flowers are produced from June until October. Leavenworths eryngo (Eryngium leavenworthii) and its distribution. along with Echinops, Sonchus and others) that grow everywhere. The foliage of bull thistle has stiff hairs on top and a woolly appearance on the bottom; while Canada thistle is smooth on top and either smooth or hairy on the underside. Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare; non-native) has prickly winged stems and leaves have prickly hair above, with white wooly hair below. Blessed thistle is thought to be a galactagogue which is a food, herb, or medication that increases the production of breast milk. You can learn more information on invasive species control and what you can do at the National Agricultural Library. It is also commonly used to promote breast milk secretion for newly lactating mothers. Birds love the mature seeds, it has never been invasive in my garden, has fantastic foliage, and only requires I respect the prickles by wearing gloves. Some people claim it can help to treat: cirrhosis. collected from established populations in Missouri. Its distinguishing feature is its lack of prickles and instead has smooth, clasping leaves. Begin with leaf patterns and edges, height, and the base of the flower. This thistle doesn't have the milky striping, and its leaves are hairier than Italian or milk thistle. Identify milk thistle by leaves with white veins and hairy seeds on its pink flowers. In some soils, milk thistle can become high in nitrates, which are linked to stomach cancers. guide. If you have experience, you can also try using this dichotomous key, but beware that it is specific to Texas. All rights reserved. The five invasive thistles that occur in Oklahoma are native to Europe and Asia and On the foot, that might not be practical because every step you take can drive it in deeper. Thanks for posting this - good info - I recall reading years ago that milk thistle (I think) is edible and some friends and I were trying to figure out which is which during this glorious spring. If you come across a thistle, and are overwhelmed with the abundance and similarity of thistle species, dont panic. It is used to treat a variety of ills such as diarrhea, indigestion, skin ailments, coughs, issues with digestion, and viral infections such as colds and flus. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Tall thistle is generally no taller than musk thistle -- 5 to 7 feet tall. These three species are common to pastures and right of way areas, but have become more common in no-till fields over the past decade. Safety considerations: Side effects are rare but possible when using milk thistle. The leaves and flowers have tiny sharp thorns that stick deep under your skin then break off at the slightest touch, like thousands of tiny needles. Panic not, for this post is your guide to determining if your thistles intentions are benign- or something much more sinister. Until a few inches below the flower, the stems extremely prickly, and then it becomes abruptly smooth closer to the inflorescence. Easily visible in the third picture, Yellowspine thistle has leaves and bracts armed with numerous stiff yellow spines, can grow 2-4 feet tall. This species is very similar morphologically to C. undulatum, or Wavyleaf thistle. Best Milk Thistle Supplement: Future Kind Milk Thistle Seed Liver Cleanse. Its leaves are thinner and more lanceolate with prickles that are much shorter than other Cirsium species. Program offices are located at 201 S. Jackson St., Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98104. They can grow anywhere from 7.5 to 30 cm long. Its lower leaves feature weak prickles with a silver underside. Legend has it that at some point during a 13 th century invasion, Norsemen tried to surprise sleeping Scottish Clansmen by sneaking up on bare feet. Use a shovel to cut the plant off about one inch This alluringly beautiful thistle was introduced from Europe. Herbal medicines contain active plants or plant parts in order to make medicines that have been widely used for centuries. Milk thistle is a plant with white-veined leaves that has traditionally been used to treat liver issues and stimulate breast milk production, among other applications. Stems and leaves are tannish-green, and lacking a white underside. While changing the wires I accidentally touched my face. details, see Fact Sheet PSS-7318, Integrated Management of Invasive Thistles in Oklahoma, Leaves illustrated in this Leaves of rosette Use a chemical weed killer if pulling or mowing doesn't work to control the problem. Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) has lobed leaves with sword-shaped sections, and scary spines at the tips. Diseases and insects that normally hold them in check in their What kind of thistle is this? California Thistle Cirsium occidentale var californicum is a Perennial herb native to the Santa Monica Mountains and endemic to California (i.e. During the first growing season, the plant forms a rosette. Milk thistle is a plant named for the white veins on its large prickly leaves. Originally fought with weevils, scientists are now hoping a fungus can help fight the good fight against this Canada thistle. It is believed to also have anti-inflammatory properties similar to milk thistle. Milk thistle is partial to rocky soil and can grow up to 4 feet tall. When broken, the leaves produce a milky substance. I am real careful now when I have to cut those things down. bracts below the petals. stems and leaves and no wings or spines along the stem. Aside from the sharp stickers all over leaf, stem and flowers which make the milk thistle unpalatable, are the milk or italian thistle plants poisonous to livestock because of their high nitrogen content? Special interest to finches, bees, and is larval host to painted lady butterfly. Oklahomas Noxious Weed Law, first enacted in 1994 in four counties in northeastern Apart from that the common name sow thistle refers to its attractiveness to swine, and the similarity of the leaf to younger thistle plants. The native thistles have 'whitish' undersides on their leaves. Mechanical control: Mowed thistles will produce new branches from basal buds but close cutting or cutting twice per season will usually prevent seed production and reduce the population over time. Rick, you don't want to find any milk thistle, it is a horrible plant that can grow 10 feet tall. The leaves on Bull thistle have spiny wings extending downwards, greenish undersides, and spines up to 1/2 inch long. Milk thistle is a lovely, garden worthy medicinal thistle. A chemical vegetation killer can help eliminate bull thistle if mowing and pulling don't work. Because of its deep, wide-spreading roots, Canadian thistle is difficult to control. 15. This page is optimized for . But its leaves are not as deeply lobed, the milky stripes are much more pronounced, and the plant grows much bigger and more robust. Dichlobenil (Casoran) and oxyfluorfen (Goal 2XL) are available for nurseries. Revised 2017. Blessed thistle has red and yellow flowers while milk thistle has purple or magenta flowers. GoBotany also offers an interactive online key forCirsium. Prevalent in the United States and Canada, bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is invasive and difficult to manage. Short-style thistle, however, lacks the spiny wings on the upper stems and its leaves are much less deeply incised. populations in check. Since these types of remedies are not monitored by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the dosage, side effects, and other important information is not tested. Cultivation and tilling can also be effective to control bull thistle. In its native range, Wavyleaf thistle is threatened by a weevil that was originallyreleased to control the invasive Canada thistle. 2-4 feet tall, Canada thistle is generally shorter than many native thistles. 250 lessons. Learn about blessed thistle and its benefits, uses, and side effects when used for lactation benefits. tb1234. Bull thistles are biennials. Four other native In 1991, Texas thistle is an abundant nectar source for bees, particularly bumblebees. One day, she was discussing her health and infertility issues with her friend Marcy. Remember to always read the label for proper application sites and rates. Invasive species are an issue because they lack natural predators. and Cirsium spp. Compositae. of each stem with very large spiny bracts below the petals. Milk thistle seeds are medicinal and often used in tea to help with liver and kidney ailments. Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is a biennial that true to its name, has notable spines. Your email address will not be published. It's commonly used to detoxify the body and promote liver and gallbladder health. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. It works by stimulating gastric juice production in the stomach, saliva glands located in the mouth as well as aid in bile flow. Biological control: The bull thistle seed head gall fly (Urophora stylata) lays eggs on closed flower buds in June and July. Populations are fairly This species is a serious threat to range and pastures, I'm trying to find out the biological name for the kind of non-invasive, non-noxious, non-stickery thistle plants offered for sale at the Oregon Scottish Highland Games and Festivals. The water will be a brown, murky color when finished. Blessed thistle side effects include upset stomach and vomiting if more than 6 grams are consumed in a single day. Native only to Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana, Englemanns thistle can grow 3-6 feet tall and is most likely to be confused with Cirsium texanum. The native thistle is more shade tolerant than bull thistle and plays a vital role in the ecosystem, providing food for native butterflies and birds. Even horses will help by picking out many of the nectar-rish flowers and eating them before they go to seed. Milk Thistle Growing up to 30 inches tall, milk thistle is native to Europe and Asia. DIY Thistle Killing Recipe. Milk thistle is native to the Mediterranean area of the world, but is now cultivated world-wide. Once considered a cure-all, the thistle was even recommended as a remedy for the plague.