Artichoke Thistle, photo by Ron Vanderhoff.
The artichoke thistle is an invasive perennial herb with bright purple flowerheads and spiny leaves growing at the base. This invasive species is typically found in grassland, chaparral, coastal scrub, and riparian areas, and blooms between April and July. The plant can reach up to five feet in diameter, usually producing one to several flower stalks.
Artichoke thistle seeds can be spread through a variety of different ways, including strong winds, birds feeding and knocking seeds to the ground, water running down slopes, and attaching to mammals as they make their way through native wildlands. The artichoke thistle’s density and deep taproot outcompetes native plant species for light, water, and nutrients, threatening the health of natural habitats.
Artichoke thistle seeds can be spread through a variety of different ways, including strong winds, birds feeding and knocking seeds to the ground, water running down slopes, and attaching to mammals as they make their way through native wildlands. The artichoke thistle’s density and deep taproot outcompetes native plant species for light, water, and nutrients, threatening the health of natural habitats.
Photo by Ron Vanderhoff. Irvine Ranch Conservancy and its partners, OC Parks, City of Irvine and the City of Newport Beach, work diligently to help prevent the spread of invasive species on the Landmarks. Volunteers interested in helping with upcoming restoration projects can sign-up for stewardship activities on LetsGoOutside.org.
For more information about the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, visit IRConservancy.org or follow the Landmarks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
For more information about the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, visit IRConservancy.org or follow the Landmarks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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