Cirsium rivulare

2. Cirsium rivulare (Jacq.) All. (syn.: C. salisburgense (Willd.) G. Don, C. tricephalodes (Lam.) DC.) (C-Eur.) – An exceptional, locally naturalised alien. Documented since at least 1972 from damp meadows (so-called “wateringen” or “vloeiweiden”) in the Kempen (Kaulille and Bocholt-Lozen). Apparently formerly introduced with Alpine grass seed, along with several other aliens (Allium scorodoprasum, Campanula patula, C.  rhomboidalis, Crocus vernus, Geranium sylvaticum, Rumex thyrsiflorus). This sowing probably dates back to well before 1972 (and possibly even to the second half of the 19^th century) but the flora of this particular area was long neglected. Cirsium rivulare grows in small populations of less than 20 individuals and does not spread to other suitable habitats. It is probably decreasing lately.

A hybrid with native Cirsium palustre (C. xsubalpinum Gaudin) has been recorded. 

Herbarium specimen

Selected literature:

Bolbrinker P. & Funk B. (2003) Die Bach-Kratzdistel (Cirsium rivulare (Jacq.) All.) im Recknitztal NW Liepen (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern). Botanischer Rundbrief für Mecklenburg-Vorpommern 38: 39-48.

Hennicke M. (1984) Zum Vorkommen der Bach-Kratzdistel (Cirsium rivulare (Jacq.) All.) in Ueckermünde. Botanischer Rundbrief für den Bezirk Neubrandenburg 15: 26.

Hermans P. (1990) De wateringen. In: Berten B. (ed.), Natuur en flora in Limburg. LISEC, Genk: 149-156.

Klemm G. (1971) Die Bach-Kratzdistel, Cirsium rivulare, in der Niederlausitz. Niederlausitzer Floristische Mitteilungen 6: 32-40.

Mertens A. & Simons L. (1982) De vloeiweiden in Lommel-Kolonie. Stichting Limburgs Landschap, Hoeselt: 160 p.

Sluschny H. (1982) Die Bach-Kratzdistel (Cirsium rivulare [JACQ.] All.) in Mecklenburg. Botanischer Rundbrief für den Bezirk Neubrandenburg 13: 49-52.

Van Landuyt W. (2006) Cirsium rivulare. In: Van Landuyt W., Hoste I., Vanhecke L., Van den Bremt P., Vercruysse W. & De Beer D., Atlas van de flora van Vlaanderen en het Brussels gewest. Instituut voor Natuur- en Bosonderzoek, Nationale Plantentuin van België en Flo.Wer: 293-294.

Wegner N. & Barth H. (2005) Neues Vorkommen der Bach-Kratzdistel (Cirsium rivulare) bei Mirow. Botanischer Rundbrief für Mecklenburg-Vorpommern 40: 177-180.