1859 Carduus nutans L.

This variable species occurs as a native and adventive plant in most of Europe and in N. Africa and W. Asia. It has been introduced, for instance, into E. Asia, N. and S. America, Australia and New Zealand. For the subspecies distinguished in Europe, see Kazmi in Mitt. Bot. Staatssamml. Mi.inchen 5/1964, maps p. 512 f., and Fl. Eur. 4/1976, p. 223.