Blessed thistle

Blessed thistle once got its name from its reputation as a heal-all plant - and was even touted as a cure for the plague.

Description

• Leaves are leathery and lobed with spikey margins.

• Stems are branching, woolly, smooth, and reddish, between 30-60cm tall.

• Flowers are yellow surrounded by spikey bracts.

• Seeds are dispersed by birds, wind, and water.

• Habitats include dry, sunny areas like roadsides and waste areas.

What you need to know

Blessed thistle grows into dense stands, outcompeting native plants and desirable pasture species. Its spines can cause injury to livestock.

Management approach

Blessed thistle is declared an unwanted organism by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) because it is capable of causing harm to the natural environment, physical resources or human health in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

These species pose a high risk to our environment, economy, recreation, and cultural values.

Rules

Any species declared a pest, including unwanted organisms, cannot be sold or be in a place where plants are being sold. Pest plants cannot be propagated, bred, or multiplied, communicated, released, or cause to be released, or otherwise spread.

Control

Do not attempt to undertake control of blessed thistle yourself. Report any sightings to us.