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Broad-winged Thistle

Broad-winged Thistle

Carduus acanthoides

herbaceous☀️ full sun💧 low waterZone 3a – Zone 9b

A spiny biennial or short-lived perennial thistle with purple-pink flower heads and distinctive winged stems. Common in disturbed areas and pastures, it is considered invasive in many regions.

Overview

Form
Upright
Growth Rate
fast
Size
1.5–4′ tall × 1–2′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous

Tolerances & Soil

moderate
Zone 3aZone 9b
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 3a to Zone 9b

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SummerFall

Herb

Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.

Succession Role

pioneerearly successional

Native Range

Europe and western Asia

Function & Care

biomass/mulchdynamic accumulatorpollinator nectary

Establishment & Care

Establishment
easy
Maintenance
high
Propagation
seed

Companion Planting

Plants well with