Wavy-leaf thistle

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Wavy-leaf thistle habit

Wavy-leaf thistle

Wavy-leaf thistle inflorescence

Wavy-leaf thistle

Wavy-leaf thistle leaves and infloresence

Wavy-leaf thistle bracts and disk florets

Wavy-leaf thistle

Wavy-leaf thistle inflorescence

Wavy-leaf thistle head and bracts

Wavy-leaf thistle

Morphology

Stem

Erect, stout, leafy, simple or sparingly branched, grooved, white-woolly.

Leaves

Alternate, crowded, simple, usually pinnately lobed, lanceolate to elliptic, 4 to 12 inches long, 1 to 3 inches wide, light green above, densely white-woolly below; margins wavy, bearing yellow spines; upper leaves gradually reduced in size.

Inflorescence

Solitary urn-shaped heads, 1 to 1.5 inch wide, terminal; bracts with conspicuous light-colored ridge on the back, tipped with short spines.

Flower

Ray florets absent; disk florets numerous, purple to pink.

Fruit

Achenes, smooth, brown, tipped with white feather-like bristles, enclosing small seed.

Ecology

Habitat

Dry prairies, over-grazed pastures, roadsides, and open disturbed areas.

Distribution

Throughout Kansas.

Practical Information

Forage Value

Cattle will avoid this native thistle because of its formidable spines. Songbirds will eat the seeds.

Uses

Native Americans utilized the roots of wavy-leaf thistle as a food source and to make a medicinal tea used as a wash to treat eye diseases in people and livestock.

Additional Notes