Story: Weeds of agriculture

Californian thistle (3rd of 3)

Californian thistle

Unlike most other thistles, Californian thistles (Cirsium arvense) spread mainly by increasing their root system, which expands horizontally. These roots are called rhizomes, and make the plant difficult to control by spraying. They are best controlled when the land is being cultivated.

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Natural Sciences Image Library of New Zealand
Reference: Di2670Rbt.tif
Photograph by G. R. Roberts

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How to cite this page:

Ian Popay, 'Weeds of agriculture - Weeds in pasture, crops and forestry', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/16478/californian-thistle (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Ian Popay, published 24 Nov 2008