Thistles! They seem to be just about anywhere I look outside lately. Most folks view them as prickly and obnoxious, but there are lots of actually good things about them!
First, at least from my perspective, they are kind of purple and/or fuchsia in color. Purple happens to be my favorite color!
They are actually quite pretty! This one is even wispy looking.
Take a look at this!
This thistle is going to seed. Light as dandelion fluff, the wind blows the seed so it can land and after a winter, germinate and begin the process over again. More importantly, those seeds are a good food source for birds, and native thistles even support the local ecosystem. The flower pods supply nectar and pollen for the bees-important if you like honey!
There are hundreds of varieties; some native to areas and good; some not and invasive and considered a noxious weed. They can invade agricultural crops as they spread rapidly.
Most livestock don’t eat them because they are prickly, but cows have been known to eat young plants.
Thistles are Scotland’s national emblem symbolizing resilience and protection because of its prickly nature.
One variety-milk thistle, is studied for its liver protective nature.
Thistles are either biennial or perennial, depending on it’s species. Their prickles deter herbivores from eating them. One thing-don’t step on one barefoot! You will definitely feel it! 🙀 Legend has it that a Norse battle was lost due to stepping on them barefoot!
That wraps up today’s post on thistles. They are interesting to photograph, but that’s about all I’d do with them! 😁
Take care and enjoy the rest of your day wherever you are! 🙏🌏🙏
👣🐑☕️😎👍😁🙀🌻🐝🌙🥱😴
NKJV 1 Peter 5:6-11
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
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Picture taken by me and altered by cliptocomic app
a sweet group of lady stackers of SGH