Seeds are susceptible to predation by termites. Mowing just before the formation of flower buds discourages survival. Mowing earlier can encourage the re-growth of flowering stems. In plants mowed after flower heads have developed, seed can mature in cut flower heads left on the ground. Heavy grazing can encourage survival because livestock selectively graze plants around distaff thistles, thereby reducing competition with other plants for light and nutrients.
Distaff thistles are unlikely to establish in well-managed perennial pastures.
Introduced from Europe as a medicinal herb. Golden thistle is distinguished by having ligulate flowers , milky sap, conspicuously winged stems , receptacle chaff of long scales enclosing fruits , and fruits with 2-4 stiff, minutely barbed pappus bristles . Therefore, these recommendations are based upon control information for C. lanatus. Range or pasture overgrazing is one of the primary mechanisms of spread for these thistles. Areas with established perennial grasses are less susceptible to invasion by these thistles.