Origin
Native to Europe and Asia.

Appearance
Carduus crispus is biennial and can reach a height of 5′ (1.5 m) tall. Stems have multiple open branches; curly to straight hairs; and spiny wings.

Foliage
The leaf blades range from 4-7.9″ (10–20 cm) long. Leaves have spiny-toothed margins and winged petioles.

Flowers
The flower stalks have spiny wings and can support up to five flower heads. Flowers can be purple or white.

Fruit
Achenes (small dry fruit with one seed) are yellowish-brown to gray-brown and have a pappus (bristles or long hairs) which help it spread on the wind.

Ecological Threat
C. crispus can invade disturbed sites such as old fields, pastures, logging sites, railway yards, stream banks, and waste areas.

Maps



EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org

State Regulated List

State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.

Taxonomic Rank


Domain: Eukarya
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Superorder: Asteranae
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Carduoideae
Tribe: Cardueae
Genus: Carduus L.
Carduus crispus L.