Carduus nutans is commonly known as the musk thistle, nodding thistle, or plumeless thistle. These are the synonyms for the plant's scientific name, which is native to Europe and Asia but can now be found in different parts of the world. The plant is characterized by its pink or purple flowers which bloom from June to August, producing invasive seeds that disperse through the air. It is often considered a weed and can cause damage to crops and pastures. Some common control methods include mowing, grazing, or using herbicides. Despite its invasive nature, Carduus nutans is still used for medicinal purposes as it is known to have anti-inflammatory properties.