The Beautiful Thistle

About 30 species are found in the United States; two of them are introduced, and are among the most common and most annoying weeds. The common thistle , often called in this country bull thistle, is one of these, and the most frequent of all the species. In the UK this is called spear thistle and it is the Scotch national emblem. It's seeds are an important food for Goldfinch and Linnet, and to a lesser extent for other finches. Thistle foliage is used as a food by over 20 species of Lepidoptera, including the Painted Lady butterfly.

"He that has a good harvest must be content with a few thistles"; Spanish proverb