Scotch thistle

Family: Asteraceae
Scientific name: Onopordum acanthium
Description: Plant Form Erect biennial herb. Size Up to 2 m tall. Stem Erect, with wings up to 1.5 cm wide, and spines to 5 mm long. Woolly or cobwebby appearance. Leaves Grey-green, spiny, egg to lance-shaped, up to 35 cm long. Flowers White to purple heads up to 6 cm diameter. Fruit and Seeds Brown-grey 4-5 mm long, ribbed with hairs on top. Habitat Pastures, irrigated and dryland cropping areas. Distinguishing Features Similar to other Onopordum species, but with a stem unlike Stemless thistle (Onopordum acaulon), and with deeper lobed leaves and more woolly stems than Illyrian thistle (Onopordium illyricum). Impacts Reduces land productivity, contaminates grain and seed, can reduce wool value.

Example images for this weed