Musk Thistle

Photo by Dr. John Meade, weed scientist emeritus
Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension

Musk thistle is also called nodding thistle because the mature flower bends over and nods it's head. The New Jersey Department of Agriculture has introduced an insect which burrows into the seed and prevents germination. This biological control is locally effective. Most of our plants are from seed blown in from Pennsylvania. It is a biennial and the first year rosette is quite distinctive. A problem mostly of perennial crops and roadsides.

Additional Images

• Large Image of Musk Thistle Rosette
• Large Image of Musk Thistle Plant