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SEASONAL IDENTIFICATION
MUSK THISTLE (Carduus nutans)
SPRING
SUMMER
LATE
SUMMER
-
FALL
SPRING
-
SUMMER
SUMMER
FALL
-
WINTER
Seedlings and rosettes can be found in spring. The winged
leaves have a broad center midrib, light green edges, and
multiple spines per lobe.
Flower buds are green with a lavender center. They are
globe shaped and symmetrical with large lance-shaped
bracts. Attractive, pink flower petals emerge and look similar
to a shaving brush.
Note that the flower or seed heads occasionally nod or
bend downward. Cottony seeds develop as the primary
means of reproduction and are spread by wind.
Lobed and coarsely-toothed spiny leaves are hairless.
Stems are covered in spiny, leaf-like wings. Spines are
evenly dispersed along the leaves and stems and are very
sharp to the touch.
Plants may be single stemmed or develop branches.
Flowers and seeds are often found on the same plant at the
same time.
In early winter prior to snow, the plant retains much of its
form, including seeds and seed heads.
