Weed ID: Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense)
Canada thistle is actually native to Europe and Asia and is thought to be accidentally introduced to North America in the 1600’s. It can be easily identified by its prickly and hairy leaves as well as its purple or white flowers. This invasive weed grows on a wide variety of soil types and is common in pastures, roadsides, open forest land, abandoned fields, and even wet meadows.