Common
name: Musk Thistle
Latin name: Cardus nutans
Annual/Perennial: Perennial
Flowers: June to August
Flower size: 2" - 3"
Found in: Plains to Montane
Height: 2' to 6'
Invasive: Yes
Native species: No Useful in garden: No
Image taken: Near Conifer
Pictured
Wildflower: Musk Thistle Cardus nutans
Wildflower
Field notes: Musk Thistle has an incredibly beautiful flower.
Like Canada Thistle, this non-native easily out competes smaller
plants. Every attempt should be made to remove it from your
property by digging the large tap roots, removing flower heads
before the plant goes to seed, or by spraying with a herbicide.
