Walking in the Fields - Part 2: Thistles

If you missed it you can read Part 1 where I look at some of the other wildflowers I found on my walk.

One of the recurring plants in my walk was the various thistle species. I'll take you through what I found.

We consider the Creeping Thistle (Cirsium arvense) a noxious weed in the UK. It spreads through its roots, known as "spreading rhizomatically"; additionally will spread through wind-distributed seeds.

The Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum), on the other hand, is an essential medicinal crop, widely introduced in Europe during colonial times. The Milk Thistle can be used to treat a range of conditions affecting the internal organs - it's essential to consult with your healthcare practitioner if you are considering using any herbal remedy.

These Teasels (_Dipsacus fullonum) are essential plants for birds frequently seen perching on the tall spikes safe from ground predators while teasing seeds out of the seed head.

The Teasel is not a proper thistle, although sometimes called a Donkey's thistle - these plants are great for interest well into the autumn as the brown heads stay around once the plant has died back.

Finally, I found this abandoned bike, propped up against a fence. Hopefully, I can find someone to claim it.

Thistles are important polinators for our ecosystem, they may need to be controlled however to protect native species. They bring rare colour to the fields of green and yellow and, for me, are a delight.

I hope you enjoyed my facts and photos; all work and views are my own. I greatly appreciate it if I have earned your vote, subscription, or follow.