Jeysi Montero

(SPU Intern)

BIOBLITZ

Greener JC

PLANT

BULL THISTLES

BULL THISTLE- Flowering Plants

One of the plants that I encountered during my species observation was the Bull Thistles. Bull Thistle or Field thistle is a member of the Asteraceae (Sunflower family). According to nd.gov, Bull thistle is native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. The Bull Thistle first introduced in western North America via overseas shipping through Portland, OR, in the late 1800s.The Plant can grow from 2-5ft tall, but the one that I spotted was about 4ft tall. The plant blooms during spring and fall, and a healthy plant may produce 5,000 to 50,000 seeds. According to biobrandes, Bull thistle is a moderately large wildflower, is most easily recognized by its spine-covered fruit and bright pink or white flower cluster positioned atop the terminal shoot. Its leaves are also with a sharp spine. I would’ve never thought that a plant with a tapered spine could be edible. According to Bull thistle root can be eaten and is best used when mixed with other vegetables. Everything on the Plant is edible, but the pickles from the leaves should be removed. I spotted the flower when I was doing my research at Jennifer planetarium near Liberty State Park. As soon as I saw the flower, it got my attention since it was my first time seeing that type of flower. It was a beautiful purple flower with a spine attached.

Citations

“Bull ThistleCirsium Vulgare.” EdibleWildFood, www.ediblewildfood.com/bull-thistle.aspx.

“Bull Thistle”

https://www.nd.gov/ndda/sites/default/files/legacy/resource/BULLTHISTLE.pdf

Bull Thistle Cirsium vulgare F. Asteraceae. (n.d.). Retrieved July 26, 2020, from http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/fieldbio/Wildflowers_Kimonis_Kramer/PAGES/BULLTHISTLE_PAGE_FINAL.html