The famous “fly eating bush” – nemesis of the western fly fishermen, appears to have a long and illustrious future should global warming descend on us in all its projected fury …
When exposed to increased carbon dioxide, precipitation, nitrogen and temperature, all expected results of climate change, yellow star thistle in some cases grew to six times its normal size while the other grassland species remained relatively unchanged, according to a Purdue University study …
Nice.
Yellow star thistle enjoying two qualities among fishermen that make it the most cursed plant in Mother Nature’s repertoire. The growth is tough and nearly impossible to sever, and the star shaped growth of thorns leaves no possible way to remove an errant fly without being completely butchered by its thorns.
In the western watersheds I frequent, star thistle grows easily to four feet, is almost always growing right up to water’s edge, and after retrieving two or three low casts manually – you start snapping the flies off versus going back to donate more blood …
Yellow Star Thistle growing to a menacing height of 18 to 24 feet? It’ll require a machete as part of your wading ensemble, and breathable waders – regardless of layers – will not protect you one iota.
It’s especially the way they step aside in the path of your line/fly that annoys me no end.
Dang, and I thought the Japanese Barberry we have all over the place in Connecticut were a pain in the butt. That thing looks like some sort of medieval weapon.
And, if you live on a gravel road, the seeds come with the gravel. It’s an on going battle to keep that stuff off your property. I pull 30 or 40 out every year. Don’t want to leave it alone, it will get out of control in a heartbeat.
Mark
I just hope the damned stuff doesnt’ grow to 20 foot lengths – with thorns 10″ or longer. I’d rather not slip and be impaled by accident.
10 feet tall? Talk about a big prick!