Weed profile: Saffron thistle
Saffron thistle
Saffron thistle
Carthamus lanatus
Saffron thistle is native to the Mediterranean region and is a serious weed of crops and pastures in NSW. It is an erect, rigid, annual plant usually growing up to one metre in height. It mainly occurs on overcropped paddocks with low fertility and poorly structured soils.
Saffron thistle mainly occurs in the Northwest Slopes and the Central West regions of NSW. It spreads by seed only and is often spread as a contaminate of grain, hay or wool and by the movement of stock or farm vehicles.
Status
- Declared in NSW under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 (view details)