Carduus tenuiflorus is known as the Winged, or Slender-flowered Thistle. It is native
to Europe and North Africa but is well-known on other continents where it is a noxious weed.

Its tall stem, up to 2m, is ridged with wings and has long spines. The dull
olive-green leaves are lobed and wrinkled. The inflorescences may hold up
to 20 flower heads, each packed with pink or purple long-tubed disc florets.

This thistle is a tenacious weed of roadsides, fields, and disturbed areas.