Maltese Star Thistle prefers disturbed areas such as grasslands, open woodlands, roadsides, fields, and pastures. When Star Thistle infestations are high, native species can experience drought conditions even in years with normal rainfall (Gerlach et al., 1998, in DiTomaso, 2001). It crowds out native plants especially in riparian areas. It always has a seed at the basal rosette near the ground; therefore mowing does not help get rid of this plant.
You may not want or need to replace this invasive plant.
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.
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Native Plant Society of Texas
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