This naturalized biennial was introduced from Eurasia. The first year a rosette of spiny leaves grows close to the ground. The second year a stout, erect flowering stem grows to 3- 6 feet or taller (A,B). Where the wavy leaves join the stem, a “wing” extension is formed along the stem (C). The purple heads are up to 2 inches or more across; they nod when mature. Distinguished from our other thistles by the many layers of lance-shaped bracts surrounding the flower heads (B).
Grows along roads and disturbed areas, flowering in June and July. In Fontenelle Forest, common along Camp Gifford Road. At Neale woods, common in the recently planted Nebraska Prairie.
Of the three thistles found in our area, this ferociously spiny one is the first to bloom. It is considered a noxious weed in Nebraska. Also known as Nodding Thistle.
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