Musk Thistle

Musk Thistle
Carduus nutans

Adult Musk thistle is a biennial or winter annual. Four to six foot tall plants are common.	Rosette Deeply lobed leaves are distinguished by a dark green blade with a prominent light green midrib.	Weed Infestation Native to southern Europe and western Asia, musk thistle thrives in pastures and range lands, in waste areas, stream banks, and road sides.
Flower Flowers may be violet, purple, or rose colored. Flowers are typically "nodding" or bent over. Ends of stems supporting flowers are often nearly leafless. Bloom is in June and July.	Seed Seed is attached to a soft parachute-like plume.