Stem

1-3 ft. tall, stiff, wiry and usually branched; wings less than 0.1 in. wide created by leaf bases that extend down the stem

Photo of malta starthistle plant with pink and white flowers

Leaves

Gray-green, 0.75-6 in. long and densely covered with fine hairs; rosette leaves are oval to strap-like (linear) with smooth to deeply lobed edges (margins); stem leaves are alternate, strap-like to oblong with smooth, toothed or wavy edges

Flower

Yellow, located at branch tips or axils in groups of 1-3; base of flower is vase-shaped, 0.3-0.6 in. diameter and covered with cotton-like hairs and stout, purple-to-brown colored spines 0.2-0.6 in. long

Root

Shallow taproot

Other

Grazing, mowing, burning and cultivation can be effective if done prior to seed production
Apply 2,4-D, dicamba or triclopyr to actively growing plants; aminocyclopyrachlor, aminopyralid, clopyralid or picloram pre- or post emergence

Control

Repeated hand-removal can be effective; disturbances such as fire, tillage and grazing often promote mustard growth.
Apply 2,4-D, glyphosate or triclopyr post-emergence; chlorsulfuron or imazapic pre- or post emergence.

Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Malta starthistle, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide

Extension Associated Contacts

Heidi Kratsch

Also of Interest:


Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Malta starthistle Malta starthistle is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Iberian starthistle Iberian starthistle is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide

Associated Programs

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Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Malta starthistle