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Carduus nutans
Carduus nutans
Carduus nutans
Carduus nutans

Carduus nutans

TAXONOMY

FamilyAsteraceae
GenusCarduus
Zone4

ABOUT

Carduus nutans, commonly known as musk thistle or nodding thistle, is a biennial plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to Europe and Asia but has become invasive in many parts of North America. The plant is known for its large, nodding flower heads with purple florets and spiny leaves. It thrives in disturbed soils and can often be found in pastures, roadsides, and waste areas.

ALSO KNOWN AS

Musk Thistle
Carduus nutans f. nutans
Carduus nutans var. armenus
Carduus nutans var. leiophyllus
Carduus nutans var. nutans
Carduus nutans var. songaricus
Carduus thoermeri subsp. armenus

OVERVIEW

WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity50%
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar

DETAILS

Care Instructions
Carduus nutans is relatively easy to care for. It prefers full sun and can tolerate a range of temperatures, though it thrives in moderate climates. The plant does not require frequent watering and can survive in dry conditions. It is not particular about humidity levels and can grow in various soil types as long as they are well-draining.
Soil
Musk thistle prefers well-draining soil and can grow in a variety of soil types, including loam, clay, and sandy soils. It is not particularly fussy about soil pH but thrives best in slightly acidic to neutral soils. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Fertilizer
Carduus nutans does not require regular fertilization. If the soil is particularly poor, a light application of a balanced fertilizer can be used, but generally, the plant can obtain sufficient nutrients from the soil.
Repotting
Repotting is not applicable for Carduus nutans as it is typically grown outdoors and is not suited for container growth. The plant is biennial, so it completes its life cycle within two years.
Propagation
Carduus nutans propagates easily from seeds. The best time to collect seeds is in late summer when the flower heads have dried. Sow the seeds directly in the soil in the fall or early spring. The seeds require light to germinate, so do not cover them with soil.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Carduus nutans. However, if you wish to control its spread, you can remove the flower heads before they set seed. This will help prevent the plant from becoming invasive.
Toxicity
Carduus nutans is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, the spiny leaves and stems can cause physical irritation if handled without care.
Additional
Carduus nutans can become invasive in some areas, so it is important to manage its growth and prevent it from spreading uncontrollably. Regular monitoring and removal of seed heads can help control its spread.
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How To Grow Carduus nutans | EarthOne