Musk Thistle forms dense stands that can replace much of the native vegetation in pastures and disturbed areas. Its spines make it unattractive to wildlife and livestock, giving Musk Thistle a competitive advantage. Difficult to control since one flower head may produce 1,200 seeds and single plant up to 120,000 seeds, which are spread by animals and wind. Seeds may remain viable in soil for over ten years.
You may not want or need to replace this invasive plant, but if you do, options are listed below.
For information on how to eradicate this invasive, view our statement on herbicide use and preferred alternatives for invasive plants.
You can replace this invasive plant with native alternatives. Here are some plants that make superior replacements.
Match your location on the Texas map to the color squares on the replacement plants below to find suitable replacements for your ecoregion.
State Office Address:
Native Plant Society of Texas
PO Box 3017
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
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