Carduus nutans subsp. platylepis

This subspecies of Carduus nutans also called Nodding thistle, distinguishes itself because it is not pendant : the flower head is erected, and is endemic to the Alps. Its name comes from the shape of the bract : wide at the base and suddenly bent upward and ending in a tip. Its reduced leaves bear spines, no longer than 3mm. The flowers, purple, are gathered in flower heads 3 to 4cm large. This thistle is quite tall, it can be up to 1 meter high.