Nodding Plumeless Thistle (Carduus nutans)

Carduus nutans is known by the common names Nodding Plumeless Thistle and Musk Thistle. They grow widely in this area. Although classified as a biennial, it is an annual in this area. It’s a great source of pollen for butterflies, bees and bugs.

A group of plants.

An individual plant. In this area, plants may grow to 5 – 6 feet high.

A bud just starting to develop.

Bud not long before blooming.

Just starting to bloom.

In full bloom

Seeds have developed and are starting to disperse on the wind.

Carduus nutans (Nodding Plumeless Thistle) is native to Europe and Asia but grows throughout the United States and Canada south of 60 degrees N.
Click on an image to view a larger image

Distribution Map:
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Carduus nutans (Nodding Plumeless Thistle) - University of North Carolina Herbarium: Carduus nutans

Identification resources:
- Southeastern Flora: Nodding Plumeless Thistle (Carduus nutans)
- Missouri Plants: Carduus nutans

Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower – Wildflower Index