Winged Plumeless Thistle

Carduus tenuiflorus

Native to:
Algeria, Azores, Baleares, Belgium, Canary Is., Corse, France, Ireland, Italy, Madeira, Morocco, Netherlands, Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Carduus
Species:
Carduus tenuiflorus
USDA Symbol:
CATE2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
100 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
pink, purple, rose

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies, goldfinches
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
poor, sandy, well-drained soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
thrives in disturbed areas and coastal regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily with light exposure and cool temperatures. Variable germination timing common.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI