Canada thistle

noun

1. an Old World plant, Cirsium arvense, having small purple or white flower heads, now a troublesome weed in North America.

Canada thistle

noun

1. the US and Canadian name for creeping thistle

Word History and Origins

Origin of Canada thistle¹

An Americanism dating back to 1790–1800

Example Sentences

The invasive species that dominate many disturbed landscapes in western Washington— scotch broom, Himalayan blackberry, Canada thistle—haven’t taken over.

From Science Magazine

Canada thistle, a spindly purple-flowered weed native to southeastern Europe, likely came to North America in the 1600s in a batch of contaminated seed or in the ballast of a ship.

From Seattle Times

Many look for nectar on dandelion, rabbitbrush, Canada thistle, osier dogwood and chokecherry.

From Seattle Times

They are targeting Johnson grass, giant foxtail, Canada thistle, nodding thistle, common teasel, multiflora rose, Amur honeysuckle, poison hemlock, marestail, Japanese knotweed and kudzu.

From Washington Times

The treatments will target Johnson grass, giant foxtail, Canada thistle, poison hemlock, Japanese knotweed, kudzu and others.

From Washington Times