GROWTH HABIT:	Canada thistle is an erect perennial up to 4 ft. (1.2 m) tall.
LEAVES:	The leaves vary from light to dark green, oblong or lance shaped, deeply cut, spiny toothed margins (some may be smooth); Slightly hairy below. Tremendous leaf variability.
FLOWERS:	The flower heads consist of small bristly clusters, 3/8" to 5/8" (1-2 cm) in diameter, light lavender to deep rose purple. Flowers are male or female.
SEEDS:	Seeds are smooth, light to dark brown, tipped by a cupped conical point, approximately 1/8" (2 mm) long.
OTHER:	Canada thistle is an introduced Eurasian species. It inhabits well-drained, light-textured soils along roadsides, in wildlands, grain fields and pastures. It becomes established most easily in disturbed soils and is very difficult to control once it becomes established.
KEY CHARACTERS:	Flowers consist of small bristly clusters Seeds are tipped by a cupped conical point
DISTRIBUTION:	Throughout pastures in the Owens Valley and in Bridgeport, Walker and Coleville - Inyo/Mono Counties