Carduus platypus, commonly known as Broadleaved Thistle or Bighead Thistle, is a biennial or short-lived perennial herb native to open grasslands, meadows, and disturbed grounds across Europe. It exhibits a moderate growth rate, reaching heights of 1.5-4 feet (0.46-1.2 meters) and a spread of 1-1.5 feet (0.3-0.5 meters). The plant is characterized by its spiny, deeply lobed leaves and its large, globular, pink flower heads that are quite showy, blooming profusely in the spring and summer months.

Broadleaved Thistle is valued for its striking flowers and architectural form, which can add visual interest to wildflower meadows, naturalistic plantings, and informal garden borders. It is relatively easy to maintain, thriving in a range of soil types, including clay, loam, or sandy soils with medium to fast drainage. Full sun is essential for optimal growth and flowering. While it can be a beautiful addition to gardens, it is also known to self-seed and can become weedy if not managed properly. Care should be taken to prevent it from spreading into areas where it is not desired.CC BY-SA 4.0