By Scout Nelson
Residents across Lancaster County are increasingly contacting local weed officials after spotting thistles growing along roadsides, fields, and open spaces. Brent Meyer, superintendent of the Lancaster County Weed Authority, said many of the reported plants are actually native tall thistles rather than musk thistles, which are classified as noxious weeds in Nebraska.
The increase in calls reflects a noticeable rise in tall thistle populations this year. Because many people associate thistles with invasive weeds, they often assume the plants are harmful and should be removed.
Also known as roadside thistle, the native plant commonly grows in open lowlands, ditch banks, roadsides, and other unmanaged areas. Meyer noted that favorable growing conditions may have contributed to the larger number of plants being seen this season.
Despite its prickly appearance, tall thistle plays an important ecological role. As a member of the sunflower family, it provides valuable nectar and pollen for pollinators during late summer when fewer flowering plants are available.
Meyer explained that native thistles can often be identified by their pink flowers and silver-colored leaf undersides. In contrast, Nebraska’s noxious thistles typically have already gone to seed and dried up by this time of year.
Nebraska currently designates only 12 plant species as noxious weeds because they can outcompete native vegetation and create economic challenges for landowners. Meyer emphasized that native plants are not included on the state's noxious weed list.
“So any plant, to become a noxious weed in Nebraska, has to be non-native,” Meyer said. “We're never going to put a native plant on the noxious weed list and control what should be here, that was here before we got here.”
Photo Credit: istock-kerem-hanci
Categories: Nebraska, General