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WANTED Yellow Starthistle

This introduced plant is a native of the Mediterranean region. In this country, it dominates rangelands, roadsides, and pastures and fields primarily in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and California and scattered throughout the rest of the U.S. Because of the injurious nature of its vicious spines, its presence on the land can have very negative impacts to recreational, livestock, and wildlife values. It is also poisonous to horses, causing "chewing disease" when they are forced to eat it.

Distinguishing Features Up to three feet tall. Rosette (small cluster of leaves close to the ground) of deeply lobed leaves up to eight inches forms in the fall after germination. Leaves are white-woolly, deeply lobed, and two to four inches long, the upper one being narrower, pointed and smaller. They form fringe-like extensions along the stems. Flower heads are yellow and are located singly at the tips of branched stems. They have outward-pointing, inch long, stiff spines that radiate outward.

If You Spot This Culprit, Report the location to a local land manager or park ranger. Avoid walking on, driving on, or camping in infested areas. Remove all weed seeds from your clothing, shoes, pets, camping gear, and tire treads before moving on.

We have reason to believe this criminal weed is hiding out in the surrounding area.

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Reward: Knowing you have contributed to a healthier environment.

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Last Updated: January 25, 2005

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