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Kōrero: Weeds of agriculture

Nodding thistle

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Nodding thistle

Nodding thistles (Carduus nutans) can grow to 1.6 metres high, and are found in pastures and among crops. Their distinctive flower heads are bright crimson, larger than those of Scotch thistles, and they nod in the wind. Flowers are about 4 centimetres in diameter and appear from November to February. They provide nectar for a high-quality honey. Most seeds fall within a few metres of the parent plant.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga

Reference: AANR 6325/W3302 Drawer 7

Permission of Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga must be obtained before any re-use of this material.

Ngā whakaahua me ngā rauemi katoa o tēnei kōrero

Me pēnei te tohu i te whārang

Ian Popay, Weeds of agriculture – Weeds in pasture, crops and forestry, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/mi/photograph/16476/nodding-thistle (accessed 4 June 2026).

He kōrero nā Ian Popay, i tāngia i te 1 March 2009.