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MUSK THISTLE

Scientific Name: Carduus nutans

Distinguishing Features
•This plant grows up to 6 feet tall.
• The root is a large fleshy tap root, that is hollow near the soil surface.
•The leaves are waxy, up to 10 inches long, dark green with a light green midrib, and mostly white margins. Edges are deeply lobed, with 3-5 spiney points per lobe.
• Flowers stand alone at the top of long stems, with the flower head leaning over by midsummer. Heads grow to a diameter of 1 ½ to 3 inches. Blossoms are bright purple, and sometimes, white. They are surrounded by lance-shaped, spine-tipped, bracts.

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