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PlantSnap
Plant Care
Italian thistle
(Carduus pycnocephalus)
Also Known As
Italian thistle, Cynara thistle, Mediterranean thistle
About This Plant
Carduus pycnocephalus is a species of thistle native to Europe and western Asia. It has a tall stem that can grow up to 2 meters in height and is covered in spiny leaves. The flowers are pink-purple and appear in clusters at the top of the stem.
Plant Care Instructions
Outdoor Size Range
Height: 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters), Spread: 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Light Requirements
Full sun to partial shade. At least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Humidity Needs
No specific humidity requirements.
Fertilizing Schedule
Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning Guidelines
Remove spent flowers to promote new growth and prevent self-seeding.
Common Pests and Diseases
Italian thistle is relatively pest-free, but can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and thistle caterpillars.
Indoor Size Range
Not suitable for indoor growth
Watering Schedule
Water regularly, once or twice per week. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Temperature Range
Can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from -10°C to 40°C (14°F to 104°F).
Growing Season
Late spring to early fall.
Growing Difficulty Level
Easy to grow in the right conditions.
USDA Hardiness Zones
USDA zones 6a to 9b.
Did You Know?
The Italian thistle is considered a noxious weed in some parts of the United States and is listed as a prohibited noxious weed in the state of Colorado.
