⚠️
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Submit a photoNodding Thistle
Carduus nutans
⚠️ NOXIOUS — also called Musk Thistle. A tall (up to 2 m) European biennial with large solitary nodding (hence the name) pink-purple flower heads surrounded by broad spiny bracts. Each head produces 1,000+ wind-dispersed seeds. Spreads rapidly through Alberta rangeland. Hand-pulling first-year rosettes is effective before it gets established.
Quick Facts
Distribution
Southern Alberta rangeland; spreading
Light
Full sun
Bloom Time
June–Aug (2nd year)
Soil
Adaptable — prefers well-drained pasture
Water
Low to moderate
Use Caution— Sharp spines injure paws, eyes; thistles generally not consumed by pets
Growing & Cultivation
Propagation
DO NOT PROPAGATE. Control: cut taproot of first-year rosettes with a hoe; herbicide for large infestations. Biological control seed-head weevils available.
