Carduus lanuginosus, a new record from northwest of Iran

Carduus with about 90 species with diversity center in Eurasia (mainly in Mediterranean region) is also scattered in northern and central Africa. Carduus is usually similar to Cirsium for its medium- to large-sized heads, very spiny leaves, and achenes with apical nectary as well as a long pappus detachable as a single piece. So far, eight species have been reported from Iran, namely, C. thoermeri, C. onopordioides, C. hamulosus, C. transcaspicus, C. seminudus, C. getulus, C. pycnocephalus, and C. arabicus. During the study of the plants collected from W. Azarbaijan province (west of Iran), an interesting specimen was identified as C. lanuginosus which is reported here as a new record for the flora of Iran. Description, distribution map, and some notes for species are presented.