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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.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

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.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusCarduus
musk thistle
flowering trait badgebiennial trait badgesummer_blooming trait badgeedible trait badge
musk thistle

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

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!

Special abilities

Ability

Nodding Defense

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

Ability

Spiny Shield

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

Ability

Wind Sailor Seeds

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

Measurements & details

Height
50-200 cm
Spread
30-100 cm
Flower Size
3-7 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to late summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Biennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

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.

Traits

Also known as

Nodding Thistle

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Be careful around the spiky leaves and flowers; they can poke you!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is musk thistle?

50-200 cm

How wide does musk thistle spread?

30-100 cm

How big are the flowers on musk thistle?

3-7 cm

When does musk thistle bloom?

Late spring to late summer

Is musk thistle edible?

No

Is musk thistle toxic?

Mild

What is musk thistle's lifecycle?

Biennial

How is musk thistle pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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