- Description:
Plants are erect with few branches. Stem and leaves are densely covered with matted white
hair. Leaves are 4-12 inches long and deeply lobed with undulating edges armed with
prickles. Purple to rose-lavender, thread-like, tubular flowers are crowded into single
heads.
- Comments:
This native thistle is found statewide on upland prairies. The flowers are sweet-smelling
and frequented by butterflies, bees and many other insects. American Goldfinches use the
fluffy down from the seeds to line their nests. Cattle and horses will often nip the
flower buds before they open. Wavy-leaf Thistle roots and stems are said to be tasty
either cooked or raw after cleaning and removing spines. Tall Thistle is another native
thistle sometimes mistaken for undesirable alien species.
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