Contents
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.
