Cirsium arvense
Asteraceae
Canada Thistle
Stems erect, in dense colonies. Leaves sessile, green on both sides, lance-shaped, lobed, with short spines. Flower heads small, red to pink or lavender. Cup 3/4 in. high. Dioecious. Grows in fields, open areas, disturbed soils, at low to mid elevations. A noxious weed sometimes found in great abundance.
- Rarity: Common
- Flowering Time: Early Summer, Mid Summer, Late Summer
- Flower Form: Spiny leaves, Thistle
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Height: 20–40 inches
- Habitat: Coastal, Disturbed, East-side Forest, Meadow, West-side Forest
- Found In: Mt. Rainier NP, N Cascades NP, Olympic NP
- Native: No
- Also Known As: Creeping Thistle
