Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org

Yellow starthistle

Centaurea solstitialis

Yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) is an invasive plant of rangelands of the western United States. It is a native of the Mediterranean and was first detected in California in the early 1800's.

Currently, 6 biocontrol insects have been released. Research shows a 50% decrease in seed yield with biocontrol.

Survey Maps

10/2019 - Feds to unleash weevil against starthistle
10/2019 - US approves releasing non-native insect weevil to control thistle
10/2019 - USDA Approves Release of Weevil to Control Yellow Starthistle, UC ANR Reports
7/2019 - Summit County has a secret weapon in fight against noxious weeds: bugs
6/2019 - Invasive Species Threaten California's Economy and Ecology, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources Reports
10/2018 - Noxious weed of the month: yellow starthistle
10/2018 - Invasive starthistle continues to migrate to new locations in Mother Lode;
4/2018 - Weed eaters
3/2018 - Western States, Wyoming Wage War On Invasive Species
1/2018 - Carson City's effort to control weeds is extensive

The Silent Invader