Musk Thistle
Carduus nutant
This plant is a biennial growing up to 6 feet tall .
Reproduces from seeds.
Leaves are deeply lobed and spiny margined.
Flowers heads are solitary, deep rose to purple, and range from 1 1/2 to 3 inches in diameter. They are usually bent over giving them the appearance of “nodding”.
Musk thistle is native to southern Europe and western Asia. If forms dense stands along roadsides, ditch and stream banks, and disturbed areas. Much of the musk thistle in Natrona County has been decimated by biological control insects.
CHEMICAL CONTROL:
There are many chemical options from rosettes to bolting. Contact your local weed and pest for specific recommendations.
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL:
Rhinocyllus conicus and Trichosirocalus horridus weevils have been tremendously successful in reducing thistle populations and plant vitality.
MECHANICAL CONTROL:
Cut down before seed production.