Status: Exotic, Noxious Weed (Class A, with limited distribution within the state)
Synonyms:
None
Onopordum acanthium is readily recognizable in our area as the only rather bright purple, large thistle with winged stems. The leaves have spiny margins unlike Centauria. The pappus is of simple non-plumose bristles unlike Cirsium. The receptacle is much more obviously honeycombed compared to Cirsium. Onopordum acanthium is found along roadsides in disturbed areas.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Onopordum acanthium, photo Russ Kleinman, Karen Blisard & Bill Norris, Silver City along Hwy 90 in the median near Harrison Schmitt Elementary School, June 3, 2014
Onopordum acanthium, inflorescence, photo Russ Kleinman, Karen Blisard & Bill Norris, Silver City along Hwy 90 in the median near Harrison Schmitt Elementary School, June 3, 2014
Onopordum acanthium, winged stems and peduncles, photo Russ Kleinman, Karen Blisard & Bill Norris, Silver City along Hwy 90 in the median near Harrison Schmitt Elementary School, June 3, 2014
Onopordum acanthium, leaf, photo Russ Kleinman, Karen Blisard & Bill Norris, Silver City along Hwy 90 in the median near Harrison Schmitt Elementary School, June 3, 2014
Onopordum acanthium, cypsela, photo Russ Kleinman, Karen Blisard & Bill Norris, Silver City along Hwy 90 in the median near Harrison Schmitt Elementary School, June 3, 2014
Onopordum acanthium, honeycombed receptacle of Onopordum acanthium on left compared to receptacle of Cirsium neomexicanum on right, photo Russ Kleinman, Karen Blisard & Bill Norris, Silver City along Hwy 90 in the median near Harrison Schmitt Elementary School, June 3, 2014
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