PLUMELESS THISTLE (Carduus acanthoides L.) GROWTH HABIT: Biennial, sometimes annual, erect, up to 8 ft. Tall. Rosette formed first year, flowering stem elongates second year. LEAVES: Dark green with a light midrib, hair only on the underside, leaf margin with sharp spines. STEMS: To 4 ft. Tall, erect, winged to flowering heads. FLOWERS: Solitary, terminal or clusters of 2 to 5. Narrow seedhead bracts spine tipped. Reddish-purple blooms ½ to 1 inch diameter. ROOTS: Stout, fleshy taproot. SEEDS: Striped lengthwise, slightly curved, with a protrusion at one end. OTHER: Reproduce by seed only.

[Weeds by their Photos] [Weed Index] [Still have Questions] [Related Web Sites] [Weeds of the West]