bull cottonthistle
(Onopordum tauricum)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Appearance
Onopordum tauricum is a biennial herb that can grow up to 8 ft. (2.4 m) tall.
Foliage
The leaves of O. tauricum are bright green in color and from 3.9-9.8 in. (10-25 cm) long. Leaves are covered with short hairs, are acutely triangular and have toothed lobes.
Flowers
Onopordum tauricum flower heads are spherical and bright purple to pink in color. They are from 3-4 in. (7.6-10.2 cm) in diameter with numerous spiny bracts. Flowering occurs in summer.
Fruit
Fruits are from 0.2-0.24 in. (5-6 mm) long. Each fruit contains several white to tan seeds from 0.31-0.39 in. (8-10 mm) long. Seeds have short bristles. This plant reproduces by seed.
Ecological Threat
Onopordum tauricum prefers disturbed areas including fields and roadsides. It is native to temperate Asia and eastern Europe.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Asteranae |
| Order: Asterales |
| Family: Asteraceae |
| Subfamily: Carduoideae |
| Tribe: Cardueae |
| Genus: Onopordum |
| Onopordum tauricum |
References
Common Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.