If there's anything in this life that's constant, it's death, taxes, and weeds (what, isn't that how the phrase goes?). In South Dakota's case, there are plenty of (if not all too many) weeds that call it home, but unfortunately, not all of them are benign; there are a number of noxious weed species that thrive here, whether they belong or not - and some of them are almost beautiful. Take, for example, the beautiful-but-deadly Canada thistle (also known as the Creeping thistle or Cirsium arvense): It might look kind of nice, but don't be fooled. This is one of the more poisonous plants in South Dakota, and it can do a tremendous number on you.
Meet the Canada thistle, which is a funny name because it is in no way native to Canada.
It originated - and honestly should have stayed - in southeastern Europe and parts of Asia. Unfortunately, it was likely brought to the Americas via contaminated crop seed in the 1700s, and now it's an issue we have to contend with.
When I say it's a complicated foe that's difficult to effectively rid oneself of, you might think it's hyperbole - but no, seriously, it's THAT difficult to deal with.
For example, don't bother trying to pull the plant out of the ground. This will just split its root system, and two new plants will spring up in its place. It's like a zombie apocalypse, but with really annoying little purple flowers.
You've probably seen this weed so many times that you don't even really notice it anymore.
It's an incredibly invasive species, often overtaking and killing off native plants and choking out large swaths of natural flora, altering the overall biology of the landscape permanently over time.
It's not just incredibly tough to get rid of; you also MUST get rid of it, because it's incredibly poisonous.
Humans, livestock, pets, and wildlife are all at risk. Symptoms of thistle poisoning include severe nausea and vomiting, as well as diarrhea. Then come the seizures.
Following that, without medical intervention, things only get worse.
Soon, organs begin failing. Kidney failure usually comes first, and in many cases, the patient dies a very unpleasant, painful death.
So, how DO you get rid of it?
Honestly, your best bet is via a selective postemergent broadleaf herbicide, Glyphosate works well, too. Managing the weed organically is very challenging (and can often result in simply propagating the weed even further), but with careful precision and lots of patience, it can be done. (Just be sure to wear gloves when you're working with it!)
Check out the official North Dakota State University publication on how to get rid of Canada thistle effectively and organically. Have you ever seen these bright purple little flowers? I'm sure you have - now you know to stay away.
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