It spreads entirely by seed and can produce 100 to 300 seeds per flowerhead, with one to more than 400 flowerheads per plant! Descriptions of the plant structures as well as comparisons to similar plants. They are best early in the season, before they are in full bloom. The native thistles have 'whitish' undersides on their leaves. The thistles dont taste bad. Only Cirsiums are considered true thistle varieties. photo by Chris Evans via University of Illinois, Bugwood.org. If you'd like to stay up to date on everything that is posted you can subscribe via email: Your email address will not be published. Blessed thistle tea taken before bed reduces fevers. Bull thistle, or spear thistle, is a weed that can be found throughout the United States. Fields, waysides, gardens and waste places to 600 metres[17]. A hot infusion of the whole plant has been used as a herbal steam for treating rheumatic joints[257]. Required fields are marked *,
