One plant may produce thousands of seeds which spread easily because the mature plant forms a tumble weed. Fortunately there are only small isolated populations which are being vigorously controlled. If you see this plant anywhere else make sure to report it to your local weed management agency. Musk Thistle is a biennial which grows up to 6 feet tall. The leaves are lobed with large spikes at each point.
Flowers are large and deep rose, violet , or purple.
It spreads rapidly, forming extremely dense stands which crowd out desirable forages. An introduced biological control species, the musk thistle weevil, feeds on the seeds and can limit the spread of this plant. Musk Thistle can be found toward the west end of Sawhill Ponds. Perennial Pepperweed is 1 to 5 feet tall and produces clusters of white flowers near the apex of the plant. Deep root stocks make this weed difficult to control.