MUSK THISTLE
Carduus nutans L.
Musk thistle is a biennial or winter annual growing up to 7' tall. A rosette is formed the first year with a flowering, elongating stem the 2nd year.
Leaves are dark green with a light midrib, hairless on both sides with long sharp spines. The stems are hairless.
Flowers are solitary, terminal, nodding heads, 11/2" to 3" across. Color is ranges from deep rose to purple. It has a fleshy taproot, hollow near the surface.
Reproduction is by seed only, 20,000+ per plant. Viability is at least 10 years.
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Photos and information adapted from "Weeds of the West" by Tom Whitson
