Sheep thistle

Description:

This thistle may exceed two meters in height. Its tall stem is ridged with wings and has long spines which may be several centimeters in length. The dull olive-green leaves are lobed and wrinkled and may fold and crease themselves. The inflorescences may hold up to 20 flower heads which are somewhat rounded, covered in wide, spiny phyllaries, and packed with pale pink to bright purple long-tubed disc florets.

Habitat:

Weed of roadsides, fields, and disturbed areas. Is native to northern Africa and Europe.

Notes:

Parque Natural Lagunas de la Mata.