Field Thistle – Cirsium discolor – 1 quart

Thistles are a common wildflower in old fields – most are not native species, but occasionally you can find a native one such as Field Thistle. Native thistles can be distinguished from alien ones by having no wings or spines along the main stem of the plant. Field Thistle also tends to be shorter with a larger flower head than alien thistles. Though considered weedy, thistles are a tremendously valuable wildlife plant. They are a nectar source for butterflies and beneficial insects, their seeds are eaten by birds and they’re used by Painted Lady butterflies (Vanessa cardui) as host plants. Thistles are biennial or monocarpic perennial meaning they flower once then die.