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One of the major goals of the Four Creeks Chapter of the Sierra Los Tulares Land Trust, which manages Kaweah Oaks Preserve, is to control invasive weed species. On the top of this list is yellow star thistle. We have used several methods in the past including physical removal, flail mowing, and spot treatment with chemicals. We may have some small scale experiments using fire in the future. We have also been cooperating with the Agricultural Commissioner's Office's Biological Control Program on the release of insects that destroy the flower head of yellow star thistle and/or the seeds. Control of this weed will be an on-going process that will not be accomplished in one year or even a few years. It will require long-term dedication and, most likely, there will be years when control is better than others. Carol Frate; President, Four Creeks Chapter
 
Yellow starthislte flower on left, grows in great colonies on west meadow.
Above right: The Flowerhead Bud Weevil pupa. Right: Adult Flowerhead Bud Weevil, Bangasternus orientalis
Above left: Evidence of False Peacock Fly larva on YST bud.
Click on the links below for more yellow starthistle (YST) information, its biology and control:
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