Effects of Elevated Soil Temperature on the Growth of Cirsium arvense (Canada Thistle)

Elaine Langone Center, Terrace Room

Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) is an invasive plant species that came from Europe and reproduces using both seeds and rhizomes. This species and other invasives may opportunistically invade disturbed patches in riparian forests. In addition to increased development and riparian deforestation, global climate change may increase the potential growth and reproduction of Canada thistle. The purpose of this study is to develop a method for examining the effects of elevated soil temperatures on plant growth using Canada thistle as a model organism. Canada thistle was grown from rhizomes in one gallon pots with 8 pots on soil heating mats. A subset pots with normal and elevated temperatures were monitored with soil temperature sensors. We recorded mortality and the height of each plant during several periods throughout the study. Preliminary results indicate that sunlight may have a stronger effect on plant growth than soil temperature. Overall, assessing the effects of soil warming on Canada thistle growth can provide some insight into how climate change may affect the health of riparian forests.