Canada "climbing" thistle - Ask Extension
I noticed a large area of thistle in a field (at least 600-700 sq feet) behind my home that was not there last year. I have identified it as Canada T...
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Canada "climbing" thistle #876902
Asked July 11, 2024, 10:26 PM EDT
I noticed a large area of thistle in a field (at least 600-700 sq feet) behind my home that was not there last year. I have identified it as Canada Thistle, a very invasive type. In my investigation to identify it, there were a number of references to calls to county government to eradicate it. some places even made it a crime not to report it, so Im reporting it. Please advise if I can expect any action on your part
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
Unfortunately, the Lawn and Garden Hotline is not the correct site to report this issue. Even though we deal with lawn and garden problems in the home landscape, we don't have mechanisms to help with this problem. However, I do have a few ideas about how to proceed.
You didn't send any photos of the plant. How did you identify it as Canada thistle? Have you contacted Kent County to report this? Are you trying to find someone to remove the thistle?
There are a couple of places that should be contacted. The first is the MISIN (Midwest Invasive Species Information Network - misin.msu.edu) This organization keeps track of noxious weeds in the Midwest.
https://www.misin.msu.edu/facts/detail/?project=misin&id=38&common=Canada+thistlehttps://www.canr.
You should also contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDARD): https://www.michigan.gov/invasives.<personal data hidden>. It has an invasive species expert on staff who can help you if you are looking for someone who can eradicate the area.
The following is a link to an MSU Extension article about Canada thistle.
msu.edu/christmas_trees/uploads/files/Canada-Thistle_E3462-FINAL-AA_2021-08-26.pdf
I hope this information helps but don't hesitate to contact us again if you have questions or need further information.
Have a great week!
Unfortunately, the Lawn and Garden Hotline is not the correct site to report this issue. Even though we deal with lawn and garden problems in the home landscape, we don't have mechanisms to help with this problem. However, I do have a few ideas about how to proceed.
You didn't send any photos of the plant. How did you identify it as Canada thistle? Have you contacted Kent County to report this? Are you trying to find someone to remove the thistle?
There are a couple of places that should be contacted. The first is the MISIN (Midwest Invasive Species Information Network - misin.msu.edu) This organization keeps track of noxious weeds in the Midwest.
https://www.misin.msu.edu/facts/detail/?project=misin&id=38&common=Canada+thistlehttps://www.canr.
You should also contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDARD): https://www.michigan.gov/invasives.<personal data hidden>. It has an invasive species expert on staff who can help you if you are looking for someone who can eradicate the area.
The following is a link to an MSU Extension article about Canada thistle.
msu.edu/christmas_trees/uploads/files/Canada-Thistle_E3462-FINAL-AA_2021-08-26.pdf
I hope this information helps but don't hesitate to contact us again if you have questions or need further information.
Have a great week!
