[dailyplantfacts]

Carduus nutans is in the sunflower family Asteraceae. Commonly known as musk thistle, it is native to Europe and Asia, but is considered a highly invasive species in North America. Musk thistle is predominantly found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and ditches, as well as in pastures used for grazing livestock and in heavily trafficked areas. The invasive nature of this species is due to its ability to spread rapidly and outcompete other native plants; the inflorescences produce thousands of small seeds that are dispersed by the wind. While musk thistle can have a negative effect on native plant populations, it is eaten by livestock and is edible for human consumption as well. The seeds and the stalks can be eaten, and a tea can be made from musk thistle that is said to be useful in liver detoxification.