musk thistle

Carduus nutans

Musk thistle is a tall plant with spiky purple flowers that bloom in summer. It can grow in many places and is often found in fields and along roadsides.

Hábitat: Grasslands

Aspecto

The musk thistle has large, solitary, deep reddish-purple flower heads that distinctly nod or droop. Its broad, deeply lobed leaves are spiny along the edges and feature a prominent whitish midrib, setting it apart from smooth-leafed plants.

ReinoPlantaeFiloTracheophytaClaseMagnoliopsidaOrdenAsteralesFamiliaAsteraceaeGéneroCarduus

musk thistle

Categoría

Plantas

Rareza

Common

Peligro

2/5 · Bajo

Snaps

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Datos interesantes

Each plant can produce up to 20,000 seeds, helping it spread very quickly!

Its drooping flower heads inspired its common name, 'Nodding Thistle'.

This tough plant is considered an invasive species in many countries around the world.

Tiny insects called weevils are sometimes released to help manage huge groups of musk thistle!

Habilidades especiales

Musk thistle can nod its heavy flower heads, which might help protect its developing seeds from strong winds and harsh rain.

Musk thistle has sharp spines on its leaves and stems that help defend it from hungry animals trying to eat its plant parts.

Musk thistle has fluffy parachute-like structures attached to its seeds, helping them catch the wind and travel far.

Medidas y detalles

Altura: 50-200 cm
Extensión: 30-100 cm
Tamaño de la flor: 3-7 cm
Temporada de floración: Late spring to late summer
Comestible: No
Toxicidad: Leve
Ciclo de vida: Bienal
Método de polinización: Insectos

Conexiones ecológicas

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

Gathers nectar and pollen from the flowers.

pollinates

Common eastern bumble bee

Bombus impatiens

Visits the large flowers for nectar and pollen.

eats

Thistle head weevil

Rhinocyllus conicus

Larvae feed inside the flower heads, consuming seeds.

eats

Rosette weevil

Trichosirocalus horridus

Feeds on the root crown and leaves of the young plants.

Rasgos

Floración

Las plantas con flores son cualquier planta que produce flores como parte de su ciclo reproductivo.

Bienal

Las plantas bienales completan su ciclo de vida en dos temporadas de crecimiento, formando típicamente follaje en el primer año y floreciendo o semillando en el segundo.

Floración de verano

Las plantas de floración de verano producen sus flores durante la temporada estival, a menudo aportando un color vibrante cuando muchas otras plantas ya han terminado de florecer.