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Nodding thistle is another heavily-defended exotic thistle, accidentally introduced to the U.S in the early 1900s. Solitary flowerheads are borne on long (up to 2'), whitish peduncles densely covered with short hairs. The flowerheads are 1-3" across, nodding (like the name says), made of 100-1000 tubular disk florets, each with its apical portion divided into 5 purplish-pink filaments and with a single, very long style. Beneath the large, showy flowerheads are stout, triangular, purplish phyllaries, each with a stout spine. When in bloom, the large size of the flowers and characteristic large phyllaries make it impossible to confuse with any of our other local thistles. Well loved by goldfinches, but considered a "noxious weed" by almost everyone else.

Carduus

Carduus nutans

nodding thistle [Blooms: Jun-Jul]