What is this thistle & is it safe to eat?

[itsonlyme]

We get them growing in a section of our manege, and the horses like to pick at them (very carefully cos they're super-prickly!) I was going to cut them & dry them out for them instead of just spraying them all. Just wanted to double-check they're safe first. Anybody have any ideas? I tried Google but Im no plant boffin !

Thank you in advance

 

[itsonlyme]

Ooh i think I've found it - is it Spear Thistle?

 

[Miss L Toe]

The flower head may dry nicely, and I don't think they will do any harm.
I would dig them out as the leaf is very waxy so will not absorb most foliar type sprays like Roundup., instead, you would need to use a more nasty type of thing like Ground Clear. They won't persist like dock.

 

[stencilface]

Looks like creeping thistle to me, spear thistles much meatier. Fine to eat, mine loves the flower heads

 

[jrp204]

Think its Creeping Thistle, Spear tend to be more solitary and taller.

 

[Tnavas]

Chop them at ground level and once wilted the horses will eat them - they love them

 

[Goldenstar]

My horses love these.

 

[itsonlyme]

Thanks all. Yeah, they seem to be nibbling the flower bits off. Good to know about the Roundup cos that's what i was planning on using. I shall have to don my gloves and pull them out by the roots instead. Will leave them the good bits to munch on

 

[Miss L Toe]

Get a spade and cut roots below ground, use thick gloves!