Control of yellow star thistle

Yellow star thistle (Centaurea Solstitialis) is an invasive member of the Asteraceae family and has been taking over large portions of grasslands in California.

Tagavilla et al 2019 (a & b): Yellow star thistle is known to grow well in areas of full sunlight; and since south facing slopes receive more solar radiation than north facing slopes, we hypothesized that there would be higher densities of yellow star thistle on south facing slopes. To determine the spatial distribution of yellow star thistle on north and south facing slopes, we investigated an area at the Fairfield Osborn Preserve by taking GPS coordinates along north-south transects, and categorized each immediate area with a level of high, medium, low, or no density. Our data provides evidence of yellow star thistle growth patterns and could be used as a tool for invasive species management.

Elias 2019: We examine current extent and density of yellow star thistle patches, and propose treatments based on recommended best practices and Preserve Manager observations.