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Musk Thistle - Carduus nutans
Family: Asteraceae

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Description

This thistle is one of the more common thistles spread across the united states. Its is easily identified and distinguished from other thistles by the drooping infloresence (flower head). It is also particularly spiney, making it very difficult to pull by hand.

Interesting facts

Also known as nodding thistle because of the tendancy for the head to start to 'nod' over.

It is very important when trying to eradicate thistles, that you learn to properly identify them. Musk thistle, in particular can easily be mistaken for some of the native thistles that have beneficial effects for humans.

VIDEO

Links to more information

  • US forest service: Detailed species information with an extensive reference list or current research on this species. If you ever wanted to learn about Musk thistle, and everything that has been done about it, this review article (although boring), is for you.

Website, video, and graphics by Rob Nelson
For more information on this plant or management please contact US Army Corp of Engineers

 
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