Nodding Thistle, Carduus Nutans, is found in neutral to acidic soils. It typically grows in meadows and grasslands, in heavily grazed land in areas such as pastures, and on open disturbed soil such as roadsides and building sites. It spreads rapidly in areas subjected to frequent natural disturbance events such as landslides and flooding, but does not grow well in excessively wet, dry, or shady conditions.
Nodding Thistle grows in soils that are normally well drained. However, its’ presence is a symptom of low soil organic matter and poor Calcium levels. As Nodding Thistle likes acidic soils, Aluminum levels might be high on the fields and paddocks where it can be found.
