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Annual Biennial
Carduus nutans
musk thistle
The musk thistle is distinctive for its large drooping flower heads that are borne singlyfrom June to August. These are purple, 3-5cm across and are without ray florets. The plant is an upright biennial with downy stalks that have spiny wings, but are spine-free just below the flower head. These heads are surrounded by a collar of pink flower bracts
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Loam
Sand
Clay
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
Exposure
Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Eurasia
How to grow
Cultivation
Occurs naturally in dry, grassy places including verges and dunes, especially on calcareous soils
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
Pruning
None required
Pests
Trouble-free
Diseases
Trouble-free
Get involved
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