State Noxious Weed List - No

Growth form: Deep rooted perennial thistle that grows 2 to 3 feet tall. The leaves are shiny green on top with slight pubescence and white and very pubescent below. The leaves are alternate, rigid and deeply lobed and end in a spine. Each lobe has three points, one of which is at a near right angle giving them a “flipping appearance”. The flowers are tube shaped, 1 inch long and purple to pink. The flower head has strong yellow spines that secrete a sticky substance which attracts insects.

The rosettes are often 4 to 6 inches in diameter with oblong or lanceolate leaves that vary from deeply lobed to nearly complete.

The achenes vary from tan to brown and have a conspicuous yellow collar.

Flodman thistle is a native species found throughout North Dakota. This thistle is a food source for a variety of insect and bird species, which keeps the plant from becoming weedy.