trefle.io · Taken Jun 7, 2018 by Marcos Rivas Campoamor (cc-by-sa)
Asteraceae
Musk thistle
Carduus nutans
Also known as Nodding plumeless thistle, Nodding thistle, Carduus nutans, Carduus nutans f. leucanthus
Native Plants · Thistle · Wildflower · Pollinator · Invasive · Architectural · Drought Tolerant · Biennial · Meadow · Wildlife · Asteraceae
Musk thistle is a bold, architectural wildflower known for its large, nodding magenta blooms that are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. It is considered invasive in many regions outside its native range and should be managed carefully to prevent it from spreading into natural areas. Deadhead spent flowers promptly to control seeding, and check local regulations before planting.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 7 hours
- Watering
- Water deeply but infrequently; allow soil to dry between waterings · Rainfall-dependent; water every 10-14 days during dry spells
- Maintenance
- High
- Cycle
- Perennial
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Spacing
- 24 in apart
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Flowers
- No
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Afghanistan, Alabama, Albania, Alberta, Altay, Arizona, Arkansas, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, British Columbia, Bulgaria, Buryatiya, California, Central European Rus, Chita, Colorado, Czechoslovakia
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies, Moths, Birds
Sources: trefle, usda
More Carduus
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