Asteraceae

Onopordum illyricum

Common Names: Illyrian thistle

Plant Form: Erect annual or biennial herb. Size: Up to 2 m tall. Stem: Erect, with wings up to 1.5 cm wide, and spines to 5 mm long. Slightly woolly or cobwebby appearance. Leaves: Grey-green, spiny, deeply lobed, lance shaped, up to 55 cm long. Flowers: Purple heads up to 6 cm diameter, surrounded by spiny bracts. Fruit and Seeds: Brown, 4-angled, wrinkled capsules. Habitat: Pastures, irrigated and dryland cropping areas. Distinguishing Features: Very similar to Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium), but less cobwebby in appearance, and generally larger flowerheads. Impacts: Reduces land productivity, contaminates grain and seed, can reduce wool value.

Large flower, coloured spines

Dark buds

Winged stems

Small leaves, very spiny

Growth habit