No Success

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Jeanne and I went back to search for more of the non-native Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) at LBJ NG that was spotted on the First Wed outing. This needed to be nipped in the bud before it spreads. None had ever been documented on the grasslands before.

What caught my eye initially was the spines sticking out on the inflorescence.
Getting closer it was obvious this was not the usual with the wings going down the stem. So the Musk Thistle (Carduus nutans) also is winged. but the phyllaries are much wider and not prickly.
A nice close up of the wings and all the spines by Kate. Thanks Kate!
This was it dead. You can still see all the spines and the wings going down the stem.
On the backside look at all the spines too!
Here is a dead leaf of the native Texas Thistle (Cirsium texanum). No spines on the underside, just tomentose (matted hairs).

We did find one plant of the non-native Musk Thistle (Carduus nutans). 🙁 However at least it was just one this time.

Luckily our search yielded no more of the Bull Thistle. Indeed no success was a good thing in this case! Indeed keep your eyes peeled for these invasive thistles!

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