curly plumeless thistle
(Carduus crispus)
This species is Introduced in the United States
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.
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 Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
- California Noxious Weeds
- Invasive Plant Species of West Virginia
- Maryland Code and Regulations Noxious Weed & Seed Law
- National Park Service, Mid-Atlantic Exotic Plant Management Team Invasive Plant List
- Oregon Noxious Weeds
- Virginia Invasive Species Management Plan 2012
- WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States
- West Virginia Department of Agriculture Regulations Governing the Distribution of Plant Materials
- West Virginia Native Plant Society, Flora West Virginia Project, and West Virginia Curatorial Database System, September 3, 1999
- West Virginia Noxious Weeds
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Asteranae |
| Order: Asterales |
| Family: Asteraceae |
| Subfamily: Carduoideae |
| Tribe: Cardueae |
| Genus: Carduus |
| Carduus crispus |
References
Common Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.