Nodding Thistle
Carduus nutans

Nodding Thistle (Carduus nutans) Other common names: Musk Thistle

Other scientific names: Carduus leiophyllus, Carduus macrolepis, Carduus thoermeri

Family: Composite Family (Asteraceae)

Group: Thistles

Similar species:
  •   Plumeless Thistle (Carduus acanthoides) - Very similar; flower head smaller and stalk not smooth.

  •   Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) - Much larger, flower head not nodding.


Flowers: Summer;  Blue/Violet;  Indistinguishable parts (petals)

Leaves: Alternate, Simple

Habitat: Fields and Open Areas

Books: Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 430   

Native/Non-native: Non-native

Origin and Meaning of Names:
 Scientific Name: nutans: nodding


For more information visit: Ontario Wildflowers

Photographs: 40 photographs available, of which 10 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

Range Map is at the bottom of the page

Nodding Thistle (Carduus nutans)

Nodding Thistle flower head. Note that it is indeed "nodding".

ALso note that the stalk immediately below the flower head is usually smooth, but not always.

Nodding Thistle (Carduus nutans)

Nodding Thistle (Carduus nutans)

Nodding Thistle flower head atop its stalk. Notice the purple-coloured bracts just below the flower head.

Nodding Thistle (Carduus nutans)

Side view. This particular flower stalk is an exception in that it is not smooth just below the flower head.

Nodding Thistle (Carduus nutans)

Head-on view of the flower head.

Nodding Thistle (Carduus nutans)

Nodding Thistle flower head in bud.

Nodding Thistle (Carduus nutans)

Nodding Thistle stem - note that it is very prickly.

Nodding Thistle (Carduus nutans)

Nodding Thistle plant.

Nodding Thistle (Carduus nutans)

Nodding Thistle plant in winter.

Nodding Thistle (Carduus nutans)

Nodding Thistle going to seed. The seeds are readily dispersed by the wind.


Range map for Nodding Thistle (Carduus nutans)

PLEASE NOTE: A coloured Province or State means this species occurs somewhere in that Province/State.
The entire Province/State is coloured, regardless of where in that Province/State it occurs.

(Range map provided courtesy of the USDA website and is displayed here in accordance with their Policies)

 

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