Q.Pest & Weed Management
What is the best way to control Canada thistle?
A.
Canada thistle is a deep-rooted perennial that requires multi-year management. Options: glyphosate at bud-to-bloom stage, repeated mowing/cutting (drains root reserves over multiple seasons), tillage in dry conditions, competition from healthy pasture or cover crops, and grazing with goats (which eat thistle readily). Single-event treatments rarely succeed.
Pasture pages cover related management.