Thorny, monsterous looking weed ID

15 years ago

We have this weed growing in our field that looks like an absolute monster. It's low-growing with thorns on the edges of the leaf and purple stems. I've included a picture of this beast. I appreciate any help identifying this thing. Thanks.

Image link:

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Comments (5)

Kimmsr
15 years ago
That looks to me like one of the Fall Dandelions. Does it get many stalks of small yellow flowers?
oatlord
Original Author
15 years ago
There are no flowers as of yet. I took another picture with a glove next to it for scale.

I looked up fall dandelions, and it looks like it could be it, but it's not a perfect match.

These do not have tap roots. They have very big horizontal roots running out from them.
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oatlord
Original Author
15 years ago
Forgot to include the link to the picture:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28666955@N08/2877554344/
jean001
15 years ago
To me, the leaves look fuzzy, the edges armed with prickly thorns.

If so, I'd say it's a thistle.
Beeone
15 years ago
Looks like a thistle to me too. If it has large roots running horizontally, it would be one of the perennial thistles and you don't want to let it get started. Chop off or pull every one you see before it gets established or you will have years of herbicide application ahead of you to get rid of it.