But variegated thistle is one of the worst and demands immediate attention. MANY types of thistles can look unsightly, compete with pasture and seriously contaminate sheep’s wool.

The Silybum marianum plant goes by many different names, including Scotch thistle, holy thistle, Mary thistle, variegated thistle, and milk thistle. The plant is native to Southern Europe and Asia ...

Milk thistle is also known as Saint Mary’s Thistle, holy thistle, variegated thistle, and Scotch thistle. Throughout history, milk thistle has also been used to treat liver and gallbladder issues .

Variegated thistle has much more white streaking in the leaves than any of these thistles. Once flowering occurs, confusion between the thistles is less likely. Nodding thistle has a much larger seed ...

In 1947, the Hawke’s Bay provincial executive of Federated Farmers wanted nodding thistle declared a noxious weed. Photo / Unsplash / Stephen H. Thistles were everywhere back in the day, whether ...