Fauna
Flower

Musk Thistle

Carduus nutans

Also known as Nodding Thistle, Nodding Plumeless Thistle

Musk thistles form dense leafy rosettes during their first year before sending up tall, spiny stems during their second spring. The large, solitary flower heads nod gracefully at the branch tips, displaying vibrant purple-pink florets framed by sharp, reflexed bracts. Producing tens of thousands of wind-borne seeds per plant, this biennial rapidly colonizes disturbed pastures, roadsides, and meadows.

InvasiveSpinyFlowering
Musk Thistle reference1 / 7
(c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Musk Thistle Weevil
  • American Goldfinch
ThreatsBiological control agents, land cultivation, herbicide management
HabitatsPastures, roadsides, disturbed fields, grasslands
Life span2 years (Biennial)
Classification
  1. OrderAsterales
  2. FamilyAsteraceae
  3. GenusCarduus
  4. SpeciesCarduus nutans
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance, though sharp spines can puncture skin.
Responsible observation
  • Identify by head shape: Look for the characteristic drooping flower head, which nods sideways as it matures.
  • Avoid physical contact: Wear thick leather gloves if removing plants, as the sharp stem spines easily pierce cloth.
Related species
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