Scotch Thistle
Onopordum acanthium
Asteraceae
Other names
Cotton Thistle
Growth habit
Herbaceous
Perennation
Biennial
Native distribution
W. Europe to Cent. Asia
Biocultural value
It was the emblem of Scotland, accompanied by the early motto "Touch me who dares!"
Location
Source of plant
Unknown
Description
To 3m. Stem yellow, pubescent, wings 2-4, with spines to 11mm. Leaves to 35x20cm, oblong-ovate to lanceolate or ovate, sessile, sinuate-dentate or pinnatilobed, lobes triangular, with apical spine to 1cm, grey-green tinged grey and sparsely lanate above. Capitula solitary or in leafy, terminal clusters of 2-7; involucre to 3x6cm; phyllaries gradually tapering to a 5mm spine, minutely pubescent; florets to 2.5cm, white or purple. Fruit 4-5mm; pappus 7-9mm, rough, pale rufescent.
USDA Hardiness Zone
6