Scotch Thistle grows in ruderal places, as well as dry pastures and disturbed fields. Temperature and moisture, rather than soil nutrient concentrations, determine the ecological performance of Scotch Thistle.
This plant is a symptom of compacted soil with poor drainage, low organic matter, and lack of beneficial bacterial activity. Scotch Thistle indicates that the soil structure should be addressed urgently, for instance with cover crop set-up mixes.
