Bull Thistle

Cirsium vulgare

Bull Thistle is a biennial broadleaf weed that is also known by its scientific name, Cirsium vulgare.

Identify

Alternate

Upright

Lobed

Lanceolate

Bull Thistle leaves grow alternate from each other and form a rosette. Leaf margins are toothed with sharp spines. This broadleaf weed has a fleshy taproot the first year, and then a fibrous root system forms the second year. Flowers are dark pink to purple with spined bracts. Bull Thistle spreads by seeds.

Life Cycle

This broadleaf weed can be found growing throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Control

Cultural controls of Cirsium vulgare include digging up and removing the entire plant from areas of infestation. TruGreen® uses a selective systemic broadleaf weed killer program to fight Bull Thistle in your lawn, which ensures the product moves throughout the weed, controlling it completely, root and all. Multiple applcations may be necessary for this difficult-to-control weed.