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Italian Thistle
Carduus pycnocephalus
In the United States:
Invasive
· also called Italian plumeless thistle, Plymouth thistle
Listed as invasive. Check local regulations — several jurisdictions restrict planting.
Bees and other pollinators visit the flower heads for nectar and pollen. It blooms from late winter or early spring through early summer in Mediterranean-type climates. The highly spiny foliage and stems make the plant difficult to handle near apiaries or in forage areas.
| Nectar | medium |
|---|---|
| Pollen | low |
| Bloom (US) | March–July |
| Duration | ~2 months |
| Type | Perennial |
| Sun | full |
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