Weeds
Yellow star-thistle has spread from its native Eurasian and Mediterranean range into the Americas, the rest of Europe, Africa, and into in Asian steppes. The greatest infestations are in areas with the Mediterranean or similar climates. Yellow star-thistle is a prolific seed producer and does best in invading disturbed lands – roadsides, wastelands, and abandoned feeds. It occasionally invades crops, and also pastures, where it reduces biodiversity and the quality of the forage. Yellow star-thistle is now present in 41 US states, and officially listed as a noxious weed in 6 of them: California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, and New Jersey. In Canada, it is found in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan, although it is not as persistent.
How to Control it
Best weeding time: Before fruition Removal: This is a small herbaceous plant. You can remove this weed by gloved hand or by tools. Pruning: This is an annual plant. Repeat pruning its aerial parts to effectively contain its growth. Plowing: Plow the soil before cultivation, and bury the weed entirely in the soil. Chemical control: If the weed is too much to pull out, herbicides will be helpful for its eradication. Note: This plant is thorny. Please plan protection thoroughly.