May be invasive in some regions. Click to learn more →

musk thistle

Carduus nutans

herbaceous☀️ full sun💧 low waterZone 3a – Zone 8b

Musk thistle is a spiny biennial or short-lived perennial with nodding purple-pink flower heads and a musky fragrance. It is considered invasive in many regions due to its aggressive self-seeding.

Overview

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

Tolerances & Soil

moderate

Zone 3aZone 8b

1471013

ColderWarmer

Seasonality

Bloom Season

Season of Interest

SpringSummer

Herb

Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.

Succession Role

pioneerearly successional

Native Range

Mediterranean, Europe, and Western Asia

Function & Care

pollinator nectarywildlife benefit

Establishment & Care

Establishment: easy
Maintenance: high
Propagation: seed

musk thistle

Overview

Tolerances & Soil

Seasonality

Herb

Native Range

Function & Care

Companion Planting

Plants well with

musk thistle

Overview

Tolerances & Soil

Seasonality

Forest Layer Placement

Herb

Native Range

Function & Care

Companion Planting

Plants well with