Invasive species such as star thistle, cheat grass, and teasel have invaded these areas. Species documented included Yellow star thistle, Spartina, and Quagga mussels. Star Thistle populates ground that has been abused&colon; dry, compacted, or scraped clean. Carthamus glaucus, the glaucous star thistle, is a species of plants in the thistle family. Star thistle is a valuable source of pollen, thus nectar for pollinators. Problematic invasive species are star thistle, cape ivy, and periwinkle vinca.