musk thistle
Family
AsteraceaeScientific Name
Carduus nutans
Other Common Names:
plumeless thistle
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Carduus macrocephalus
Carduus nutans
Carduus macrolepis
Habit
This erect biennial can be found flowering from mid spring into early summer.
Leaves
The leaves initially form a basal rosette, however in the second year the flowering stem emerges, and the leaves on the stem will grow in an alternate fashion. The individual leaves are deeply lobed with 1 to 5 spines at the tip. All leaves are dark green with white veins, and progressively get smaller as you move up the plant.
Identifying Characteristics
This plant produces a musky scent, giving it its name.
Flower Seed Head
The solitary flowers grow at the ends of branches. Each pink or violet flower has purple tinged spiny bracts below it.
Seed Fruit
The seeds develop in a brownish oblong achene. Each achene has a white pappus that resembles small hairs.
Where Found
This plant can be found along roadsides and other disturbed areas
Growth Habit
Varies:
upright and nonwoody,
prostrate and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
half dollar,
larger
Dominant Flower Color
Varies:
yellow,
purple,
pink
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
has hairs
Leaf Shape
Varies:
lance,
oval,
spatulate
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
Varies:
lobed,
serrated
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
none
Stem Hairs
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
taproot
Life Cycle
biennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb