Receptacles covered with long, broad, chaff scales that enclose fruits . Flowering stems can remain erect for an extended period or break off at the base with strong winds. Dry soils of disturbed sites, fields, grassy areas. Previous infestations now eradicated were located in eastern San Mateo and northwestern Santa Clara counties. 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.