Fauna
Flower · GBIF taxon 3113414

Creeping Thistle

Cirsium arvense

Also known as Canada Thistle, Field Thistle, California Thistle, Corn Thistle

Creeping thistle forms aggressive, deep-rooting colonies via extensive horizontal rhizomes, making it a persistent fixture in fields and disturbed ground. Its small, fragrant purple flower heads attract a wide variety of native pollinators, including bumblebees and butterflies, during peak summer blooms. Wind-borne seeds equipped with feathery down allow it to rapidly colonize open landscapes across temperate regions worldwide.

PerennialPricklyPollinator Magnet
Creeping Thistle reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic (photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Goldfinches
  • Painted Lady Caterpillars
  • Thistle Gall Flies
ThreatsHerbicides, intensive cultivation, biological control insects
HabitatsAgricultural fields, pastures, roadsides, disturbed ground, grasslands
Life spanPerennial (clonal patches can persist indefinitely)
Classification
  1. OrderAsterales
  2. FamilyAsteraceae
  3. GenusCirsium
  4. SpeciesCirsium arvense
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Sharp leaf spines can prick bare skin; wear heavy gloves if handling.
Why it is dangerous
Leaves are edged with sharp spines that can easily puncture or scratch exposed skin.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for deeply lobed green leaves tipped with sharp prickles and clusters of small purple flower heads.
What to do
Wear thick gloves when clearing plants and avoid direct contact with bare hands.
Responsible observation
  • Avoid Bare Skin: Wear thick gardening gloves and long sleeves when managing patches to prevent prickles.
  • Observe Pollinators: Visit patches on sunny afternoons to spot bumblebees, hoverflies, and butterflies feeding.
  • Check Seed Heads: Inspect fading blooms in late summer to see goldfinches harvesting seeds.
Related species
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