Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare), sometimes called Sword Thistle, is a large biennial plant with a deep taproot and formidable spines. They were introduced to eastern North America in the 1800's and is native to Europe, North Africa and Western Asia. Here at Leaning Oaks it only grows in disturbed areas, such as the lawn, the edge of the vegetable garden or where a wind-thrown tree brings up mineral soil and lets the light in. We do try and get rid of them as soon as they come up--however this one had to stay until it flowered becasue we needed a photograph for "Species-A-Day"! In some jurisdictions they are on the noxious weed list for good reason. The large purple flowers are favourites of a variety of introduced and native bees and butterflies and the seed heads attract American Goldfinches and Pine Siskins. The stems are reportedly edible when peeled, but I admit I've never braved the armature to try them out.
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AuthorsTwo biologists on a beautiful property armed with cameras, smart phones and a marginal knowledge of websites took up the challenge of documenting one species a day on that property. Join along! Posts and photographs by Leah Ramsay and David Fraser (unless otherwise stated); started January 1, 2014. Categories
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