Asteraceae
Common name: Canada thistle, Creeping thistle, Common fieldthistle.
Ecol. & Biol: Perennial. Roots - creeping and white, side roots give rise to upright stem
Stem: upto 60 cm, without wings carrying spiny leaves.
Leaves: spiny, hairy on upper surface, sessile.
Inflorescence: heads, dioecious, bracts apressed. Flowers - male and female produced on seperate plants, male flower heads with long bracts on their base, feathering pappus of branched brownish hairs. Propagation by roots.
Flowering time: July - September.