Date observed:

12/8/12

Attach a picture or video of the species

What is the common name for the species?

Star Thistle

What is the scientific name?

Centaurea solstitialis

What have you learned about this species?

This species is an invasive species and was very prevalent to the area where we observed it. It was introduced to the United States through contaminated alfalfa coming from Eurasia. They can grow from 5 inches all the way to 6 feet tall. One effect that this has on the environment is that it can choke out some of the species around it, which lessens the biodiversity in the area. Another effect is has is on horses, if they eat it, it can create a deadly disease and it effects the nervous system. This plant is only a threat to places that have summer drought, but not if it rains a lot, like the Rocky Mountains. People are trying to prevent the spread of the Star Thistle.