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winged plumeless thistle
Scientific Name: Carduus tenuiflorus
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Carduus tenuiflorus: Slender-flower Thistle and More
Carduus tenuiflorus, a member of the thistle family, is known by a variety of common names, reflecting its widespread distribution and distinct characteristics. These include:
- Slender-flower thistle
- Sheep thistle
- Shore thistle
- Slender thistle
- Winged plumeless thistle
- Winged slender thistle
Considerations for Pets
- This plant has spiny wings on the stems and spiny leaves, which may pose a risk of injury to pets.
Considerations for Children
- This plant has spiny wings on the stems and spiny leaves, which may pose a risk of injury to children.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Carduus tenuiflorus W. Curtis
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Synonyms: Italian thistle, slender-flowered thistle
- Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
- Order: Asterales
Distribution and Habitat
- Carduus tenuiflorus is native to Northern Africa and Western and Southern Europe.
- In the United States, it can be found in New England states such as Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
- It is also found in Australia, specifically in Morwell National Park, Victoria.
- The plant thrives in terrestrial habitats.
Ecological Role
- Carduus tenuiflorus is considered an invasive species in some regions.
- It is listed on the Texas Invasives Database as a non-native and noxious plant.
- In Oregon, its initial detection was delayed due to its similarity in appearance to musk thistle.
Morphological Characteristics
- Carduus tenuiflorus is a herbaceous annual or biennial plant.
- Flowering plants typically reach a height of 1 to 4 feet, but can sometimes grow taller (6-8 feet).
- The stems are winged and very branched, with spiny wings extending up to the flowering heads.
- Leaves are simple, lobed or unlobed, and may have wavy margins with yellow spines.
- The rosettes have leaf-like, winged spines.
- The fruit is almost square.
Distinguishing Features
- Spiny-winged leaves directly beneath the flower head distinguish it from musk thistle.
- Plumeless thistle has numerous winged spines on the stem, unlike some other thistles with smooth stems.
- It has a finer habit and lighter green, shinier leaves compared to Winged Slender Thistle.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Plumeless thistle (Carduus acanthoides) and musk thistle can hybridize.
Further Information
- Invasive.org provides information on Carduus tenuiflorus.
- PlantsFlora C is another resource for information.