They spread via seeds and stray plant parts. Since musk thistle (Carduus nutans) can produce over 20,000 straw-colored seeds singularly, it quickly carpets the area, outcompeting native vegetation.

Seeds remain viable for up to 50 years. The flowering period is from late june until frost in the fall. Musk thistle is biennial or sometimes a winter annual, which grows up to 6 feet tall. Leaves are ...

It is known as musk thistle in some countries overseas. The species gets the name "nodding thistle" because of the large seed heads that "nod" over due to their weight, for example, they tend not to ...

Soil Conservation Technician When I moved into this new house, I was thrilled to see a large planted flower bed in the backyard. All spring I imagined what beautiful flowers would soar up and ...

By Krishona Martinson, University of Minnesota Extension There are 11 primary noxious weeds in Minnesota, and they must be controlled on all private and public land. They’re on the noxious ...