Seed disperses primarily when stems break off in strong winds and roll along the ground like tumbleweeds, but also with water, in the fur of animals, and by human activity. Seeds germinate throughout fall, winter, and spring. Manual removal can discourage survival if the root is cut at least 3 inches below ground level. In addition, distaff thistles are winter annuals and have spiny pinnate-lobed outer phyllaries and fruits with numerous unequal pappus scales . Introduced from Europe as a medicinal herb.
Golden thistle is a spiny perennial native to the Mediterranean region.
Although currently found only in Alameda County, it poses a serious threat to California's range and wildlands. A noxious weed. Heavy infestations reduce range quality and carrying capacity. Livestock rarely graze rosettes and completely avoid mature plants due to their spiny nature. Golden thistle establishes in degraded areas and along fences or waterways where plant skeletons collect after detached stems wind disperse in a tumbleweed manner.