Carduus nutans
(Musk Thistle)
Carduus nutans, Booth Falls, Eagle Co. 3964
Carduus nutans, Kebler Pass, Gunnison Co. 0130
Carduus nutans, Kebler Pass, Gunnison Co. 0130
| Scientific Name | Carduus nutans | USDA PLANTS Symbol | CANU4 |
| Common Name | Musk Thistle | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 35787 |
| Family | Asteraceae (Sunflower) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Plains and foothills (3500 to 8500 ft.); aggressive weed of waste ground, pastures, roadsides, fields. Plant: Large, branching annual or biennial, one to nine feet tall; stems spiny-winged from the leaf bases. Leaves: Leaves 4 to 16 inches long, deeply pinnately-lobed with sharp spines; basal and stem leaves similar; stem leaves winged (extending down the stem). Inflorescence: Large, rayless erect or nodding flower heads 2 to 3 inches across, deep pink disk florets in the center; bracts beneath with very sharp points, lower ones are recurved. Bloom Period: May to September. References: "A Field Guide to Wildflowers of the Rockies" by Carl Schreier, "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield and SEINet. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Noxious Weed |
© Tom Lebsack 2024
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains