THISTLES I HAVE MET IN TEMPLETON

Milk Thistle. I have put some papers under this so it will show up better on camera. I actually think this is a lovely plant. Its leaves are quite ornamental. But its thorns are very sharp. When it grows up it is quite attractive. But it multiplies itself many times over and is, therefore a nuisance in the garden. It grows about four feet tall or higher in good soil, and produces a purple flower which produces a multitude of seeds. Milk thistle is thought to be an herb which can help improve liver function. You can learn more about milk thistle here and see it in bloom.

I also have thistles I've not yet been able to identify. Sometimes they are growing right next to the milk thistle. To left you see milk thistle. The other thistle plant seems to be growing right under it. If anyone can identify it, please email me. The two thistles are surrounded by mustard.

Here is a picture of my mystery thistle by itself, with flowers forming.

© Barbara Radisavljevic, Templeton, CA, 2007