Scotch Thistle
Scotch Thistle is a prickly invasive species that is native to Europe and was introduced in the late 19th century as an ornamental. This plant was deemed the royal symbol of Scotland when a sleeping party of Scots were awoken during a Viking attack after the Vikings stepped on Scotch Thistle with their bare feet and screamed out in pain!
Scotch Thistle is a biennial plant. In its first year of growth, it forms a low-growing rosette that is grayish-blue in color and is covered in dense hairs. During the second year, the flowering plants can grow 8-12 feet tall, have multiple branches with winged stems, and produce a purple flower. It then produces thousands of seeds before it dies. |