Cirsium arvense

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-005028",
  "term": "Cirsium arvense",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "Canada thistle is an herbaceous perennial with erect stems 1½-4 feet tall, prickly leaves and an extensive creeping rootstock. Stems are branched, often slightly hairy, and ridged. Leaves are lance-shaped, irregularly lobed with spiny, toothed margins and are borne singly and alternately along the stem. Rose-purple, lavender, or sometimes white flower heads appear from June through October, generally, and occur in rounded, umbrella-shaped clusters.",
  "references": [
    "National Park Service Plant Conservation Alliance at http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/ciar1.htm"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/cirsium-arvense/"
}