Navigation path
Saffron thistle
Saffron thistle
-
Saffron thistle plant
General information
Saffron thistle (Carthamus lanatus) is a native of the Mediterranean region and western Asia, and has spread to many parts of the world. It was first recorded in South Australia in 1874, and its introduction may have been unintentional due to confusion with its close relative, safflower, which was imported as a source of dye.
Saffron thistle is not declared under Queensland legislation, however its control is recommended.
| Scientific name |
Carthamus lanatus |
|
Impacts |
- when present in thick patches can restrict stock movement and cause injury to grazing animals
- by competing with pastures, reduces pasture carrying capacity and crop yields
|
| Description |
- an erect, annual herb
- grows to 1 m or more high
- leaves are up to 20 cm long and deeply divided with stout spines
- stems are yellow-white or very pale green
- flowers are solitary, yellow and surrounded by tiny bracts
- egg-shaped seeds are 4-sided, 15-18 mm long
|
| Habitat and distribution |
- found in cultivated or poor pastures and neglected areas
- likely to occur in overgrazed pastures
- occurs in soils with low nutrient levels
- seeds fall at the base of plants causing localised infestations
- spread not rapid
- occurs in all Australian states and the Northern Territory, particularly in the wheat-growing areas of New South Wales and Victoria
- found in Queensland on the Darling Downs and in coastal areas north to the tropics
|
| Control |
- deep ploughing to a depth of 10-15 cm will bury many seeds and reduce emergence
- spraying or shallow cultivation will destroy emerging seeds
- improving pastures will prevent establishment
- applying superphosphate will promote pasture growth
- slashing before flowering can prevent seed production
- applying herbicides can provide control
- see the saffron thistle fact sheet for further information, including registered herbicides and application rates
|
| Declaration details |
- not a declared plant under Queensland legislation but may be declared under local government law
|
| Further information |
|
