Carduus Defloratus

Description

Carduus Defloratus is a type of thistle that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is also known as the Western Thistle and is native to North America. It is a biennial plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 2 feet wide. The stems are green and have spiny leaves that are grayish-green in color. The flowers are purple and bloom from June to August. The plant produces achenes as fruits which are small and brown.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Magnoliophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Asterales
Family	Asteraceae
Genus	Carduus

Appearance

Carduus Defloratus has spiny leaves that are deeply lobed, and they have a grayish-green color. The stems are green and have a hairy texture. The flowers are purple and form at the end of the stems. The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It produces small and brown achenes as fruits.

Care Guide

Carduus Defloratus is a hardy plant, and it can grow in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:

• Water: This plant prefers well-drained soil, and you should water it regularly during the growing season.
• Fertilization: This plant does not require much fertilization, but you can add some compost to the soil to improve its quality.
• Soil: This plant can grow in a variety of soils, but it prefers well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients.
• Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
• Hardiness Zones: This plant can grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 8.

Common Pests & Diseases

Carduus Defloratus is susceptible to a few pests and diseases:

• Cabbage Looper: This pest can cause damage to the leaves of the plant.
• Cutworms: These pests can cut the stems of the plant at the base.
• Powdery Mildew: This disease can cause a white powdery substance to form on the leaves of the plant.
• Rust: This disease can cause orange or brown spots to form on the leaves of the plant.

Habitat

Carduus Defloratus is native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, prairies, and open woodlands. It prefers well-drained soil and can grow in full sun to partial shade.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Carduus Defloratus a perennial or annual plant?

A: Carduus Defloratus is a biennial plant.

Q: What is the best soil for Carduus Defloratus?

A: Carduus Defloratus prefers well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients.

Q: Can Carduus Defloratus grow in shade?

A: Carduus Defloratus can grow in partial shade, but it prefers full sun.

Q: How tall can Carduus Defloratus grow?

A: Carduus Defloratus can grow up to 6 feet tall.

Related Plants

• Carduus Acanthoides
• Carduus Nutans
• Carduus Marianus

References

• “Carduus Defloratus.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f106.
• “Carduus Defloratus (Asteraceae).” Illinois Wildflowers, www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/wt_thistlex.htm.
• “Carduus Defloratus.” USDA NRCS Plant Database, plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CADE5.