00642 Verges Booklet - Devon County Council

erect flower heads are grouped in clusters of two to six, they are
round or oval with densely packed mauve florets. Each plant bears only
male or female flowers, opening from July onwards. The entire stem
dies back in late autumn to just below the soil surface.
Legislation
DEFRA has power under the Weeds Act 1959 to require an occupier
of land to prevent the spread of the creeping thistle.
Further Information and Control
For further information and details of control methods Food DEFRA
publish an advisory leaflet “Identification of Injurious Weeds” together
with a leaflet on the Weeds Act 1959.A contact address is given at the
end of this Appendix.
(v) Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare)
Description
The stem is spiny-winged (not
continuously), cottony, furrowed,
to 1m high and branched in the
upper part.The leaves are low and
carry long stout spines. Pale redpurple
flowers, 2.5 to 4cms across
are solitary or only 2 or 3 in a
cluster and borne erect.
Legislation
DEFRA has power, under the Weeds Act 1959, to require an occupier
of land to prevent the spread of spear thistle.
Further Information and Control
For further information and details of control methods Food DEFRA
publish an advisory leaflet “Identification of Injurious Weeds” together
with a leaflet on the Weeds Act 1959.A contact address is given at the
end of this Appendix