Creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense) is a perennial, found throughout the British Isles and provides a food source for a range of insects and birds. Thistles can be allowed to grow in wilder areas of the garden or in flower meadows for wildlife. Learn more about making the most of lawns as a wildlife habitat and encouraging wildlife in the garden;

Lawn and mini-meadow habitats

Lawn and mini-meadow habitats

Wildlife in gardens

Wildlife in gardens

A branch that grows from the main trunk or trunks.

lateral

Spreading roots mean that the thistles form large clumps of spiny leaves and flowering stems ranging from 30cm-1m (1ft-3¼ft) in height on mainly grassland.

Dark pinky-purple flowers typical of the thistle family are borne July to September.

• It produces a tap root on germination followed by lateral roots that grow horizontally. These lateral roots are brittle and produce buds at intervals that develop shoots
• It easily regenerates from broken pieces. Individual plants, can form large clumps, are dioecious (either male or female) being virtually self-sterile. However, male and female plants growing adjacent to each other will cross-pollinate and a seed crop will be produced
• Its seeds germinate readily, but particularly during periods of fluctuating temperatures, or when temperatures reach 20-30ºC (68-86ºF) during the day

The RHS believes that avoiding pests, diseases and weeds by good practice in cultivation methods, cultivar selection, garden hygiene and encouraging or introducing natural enemies, should be the first line of control. If chemical controls are used, they should be used only in a minimal and highly targeted manner.

Cultural control

• Dig or fork out creeping thistles, aiming to remove as much of the root as possible. Persistence will be needed
• Hoe off seedlings 
• Weaken creeping thistle by repeatedly cutting down the top growth over a number of years. This is best done just before the flower heads show colour as much of the weed's food reserves will have been used up in flower production

Weedkiller control

The RHS does not support the use of weedkillers and recommends that alternative control methods are used. However, we do note that when gardeners struggle to control plants with cultural methods, regulated weedkillers/pesticides for home gardeners are available for use legally. Garden centres and large retailers selling weedkillers have trained staff who can advise on suitable products for your needs.

Weeds: non-chemical control