Saffron thistle

Family: Asteraceae
Scientific name: Carthamus lanatus
Description: Plant Form Erect annual herb Size Up to 100 cm tall. Stem Yellowish white or pale green, rigid and ribbed. Leaves Dissected, spiny, 30-60 mm long. Flowers Yellow, 10-20 mm diameter, with outer leaf-like bracts, often bent downwards, cobwebby, spiny. Fruit and Seeds 5-6 mm long, smooth, naked, light brown, with parachuting hairs (pappus) of many linear scales 7-10 mm long. Habitat Paddocks, disturbed areas, generally open. Distinguishing Features Combination of yellow flowers and leaf lobes ending in spines. Impacts Forms dense patches restricting stock or human movement, spines can contaminate wool and cause more wear on farm machinery. Can replace native vegetation in open woodlands and grasslands.

Example images for this weed