Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board
Class B Noxious Weed
Musk Thistle
Carduus nutans
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Other common names:
Nodding thistle
Plant family:
Compositae
Year listed:
Native to: Europe and
Asia
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Why is it a noxious weed? |
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Musk thistle invades pastures, meadows, and fields. Crowding out other more desirable forage plants. Livestock will not graze in areas heavily infested with musk thistle. |
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How would I identify it? |
| General Description:
Musk thistle is a biennial although it may
occasionally act as a winter annual. It may reach 6 - 7 feet in
height.
Leaves:
Flowers:
Stems:
Line drawings are taken from 1,000 Weeds of North America, copyright of XID Service, Inc and used with permission. Permission granted by the author. |
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How does it reproduce? |
| Musk thistle reproduces by seed. | ||||
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Where does it grow? |
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Musk thistle is found in pastures, rangeland, native meadows, roadsides, forests, stream banks, and occasionally grain fields. |
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What is the distribution in Washington State? |
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 Click on map to enlarge. |
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How do I control it? |
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General control methods: Establishing a dense well-maintained pasture is effective in preventing a Musk thistle infestation. Cultural: Cultivation in cropland will kill young seedlings. Herbicide: Please refer to the PNW Weed Management Handbook, or contact your county noxious weed coordinator. Mechanical: Musk thistle can be dug or grubbed out. Biological: A seed eating weevil, Rhinocyllus conicus is quite effective in reducing seed output. |
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For more information |
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For more information, download our
Written Findings.
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Last updated September 10, 2008