About Carduus tenuiflorus Curtis
Carduus tenuiflorus Curtis can grow over 2 meters (6.6 feet) tall. Its tall stem is ridged, winged, and bears long spines that may reach several centimeters in length. The dull olive-green leaves are lobed, wrinkled, and can fold and crease. Its inflorescences can hold up to 20 somewhat rounded flower heads. These flower heads are covered in wide, spiny phyllaries, and filled with long-tubed disc florets that range in color from pale pink to bright purple. This species is a tenacious weed that grows in roadsides, fields, and disturbed areas. It is native to western North Africa (northern Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia), Macaronesia, and much of western Europe: Belgium, France (including Corsica), Ireland, Italy (including Sardinia and Sicily), the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain (including the Balearic Islands), and the United Kingdom.
