spear thistle
Latin name: Cirsium vulgare
Family: Asteraceae
Other common names;
Flowering time: July to October
Height: to 1m
Growing conditions: disturbed ground
Nectar source for: many butterflies such as small copper
Food source for: goldfinches
Description
Its classic thistle appearance - purple, fluffy-looking flowers sitting atop a spiny ball - may well have given rise to the Scottish national emblem. The seeds of the Spear thistle are attractive to birds like goldfinches and the flowers are a nectar source for butterflies like the small copper.
How to identify: The spear thistle has flower heads with bright pink florets (tiny flowers) and a ball of spiny bracts (leaf-like structures). Its leaves are grey-green and spiny, and its tall stems are winged, spiny and cottony.
How to propagate:
Family: Asteraceae
Other common names;
Flowering time: July to October
Height: to 1m
Growing conditions: disturbed ground
Nectar source for: many butterflies such as small copper
Food source for: goldfinches
Description
Its classic thistle appearance - purple, fluffy-looking flowers sitting atop a spiny ball - may well have given rise to the Scottish national emblem. The seeds of the Spear thistle are attractive to birds like goldfinches and the flowers are a nectar source for butterflies like the small copper.
How to identify: The spear thistle has flower heads with bright pink florets (tiny flowers) and a ball of spiny bracts (leaf-like structures). Its leaves are grey-green and spiny, and its tall stems are winged, spiny and cottony.
How to propagate: