However, it has escaped cultivation and is found in many places throughout the United States.
The plant is native to the Mediterranean and is particularly fond of growing in rocky, dry locations.
Milk thistle can grow in a wide range of habitats.
The Spruce / Randi Rhoades
Milk thistle will grow easily in a variety ofsoil types, including sandy varieties and heavy clay dirt.
This high adaptability has allowed it to spread in many areas of the United States and destroy ecosystems.
Milk thistle can quickly overtake any other vegetation nearby and absorb all of the space and nutrients.
The Spruce / Randi Rhoades
Milk thistle infestations are also problematic for farmers as milk thistle is toxic to livestock.
What Does Milk Thistle Look Like?
Identifying a particular thistle species can be tricky because many thistles look so much alike.
The Spruce / Randi Rhoades
Milk thistle is an exception so identifying it isnt difficult.
What gives this plant away is the distinctive white marbling of the dark green leaves.
It is also what gave the plant the “milk moniker.
The Spruce / Randi Rhoades
The leaves are large, up to 20 inches long, lobed, and hairless.
The leaf edges have spines that can be up to 12 inch long.
The life cycle of the milk thistle spans over two years.
In the spring, milk thistle grows a large rosette, up to 3 feet in diameter.
At the top of the stem, a solitary large purple flower emerges between April and October.
The flower is about 2 inches in diameter and spiny.
After setting seeds, which are dark brown and about 12 inch long, the plant dies.
Milk thistle has a deep taproot, which allows it to grow even in dry soil.
If you miss that point in time, you should definitely remove the milk thistles before they flower.
Either one should be used in the spring before the flower stems appear.
Carefully follow the label instructions for amounts and proper timing.
Choose a plant that is well-adapted to the growing conditions and grows densely.
A native perennial grass such aswood grassis ideal.
If the infestation was heavy, it is likely that viable seeds still remain in the soil.
However, more information is needed on safety so it’s not recommended to consume it freely.
One of the most diverse native thistles is theCirsiumgenus with more than 62 species.
Jefferson County Noxious Weed Control Board.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
North American Native Plant Society.
Milk Thistle: Effects on Liver Disease and Cirrhosis and Clinical Adverse Effects: Summary.National Library of Medicine.
