Jim-Pops Loc: Granbury, Texas

Flower was taken at Clark Gardens in Mineral Wells TX. Have never seen one of these before.

Flower

(Download)

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

That is Musk Thistle Carduus nutans, originally from Asia.

It is an aggressive invasive alien plant that is becoming a serious problem in many places in North America.

Mike

Jim-Pops Loc: Granbury, Texas

Wow! I am surprised they would have it in the gardens.

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

That garden is packed with alien species, many of them invasive. It is a real shame, but until recently people did not understand the dangers of doing that, and how irresponsible it is. Most still don't. Most government agencies around the country are moving toward outright bans on dangerous plants. We have already lost so much, including tree species such as the Chestnut and the Elm, as a result of the importation of exotic plants and the exotic pathogens that inevitably piggy back along with them.

Funny that they talk about butterflies and birds as an attraction at the gardens. Alien plants will not support butterflies and birds, and in fact represent a serious threat to their survival.

All that being said, I could be wrong as plant identification is difficult. But I don't think there are any native thistles with the very large bracts we can see beneath the blooms in your photo. Also, that plant may not be in the garden intentionally, but it may be an interloper.

Nice photo by the way. Didn't want to take away from that.

Mike

GeneM Loc: Upstate PA

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: Nice shot! Sharp. Thanks for showing.

Twin 1 Loc: Nor California

It looks suspiciously like an artichoke, blossom is right, the foliage is right. The one in the background even looks more like one.

Jim-Pops Loc: Granbury, Texas

Twin, I think you might be correct. Just looked it up and found a picture exactly the same.

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

Being from the Midwest I had no idea what they are supposed to look like (when living.) :-) That makes sense, because they have a lot of vegetables growing there.

I do believe you are right, well done and thanks for the correction.

Mike

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

Beautiful shot and very clear on the download. Welcome to closeup, Jim!

D and ME Loc: Stevensville MT

In western MT, all thistles are considered Noxious weeds. We have many around us. The most effective cure is to pour white vinegar on the new growth. Kills it in one day. Most herbicides do not work on these. We walk the property every other day (on squirt patrol) with a detergent bottle full of white vinegar. This often since the neighbors around us do nothing to control their yards and fields.

sailorsmom Loc: Souderton, PA

Very good, sharp photo of this pretty weed, Jim!