Thistle

Description:

Thistle is the common name of a group of flowering plants characterized by leaves with sharp prickles on the margins, mostly in the family Asteraceae. Prickles often occur all over the plant – on surfaces such as those of the stem and flat parts of leaves. These are an adaptation that protects the plant against herbivorous animals, discouraging them from feeding on the plant. Thistle is the floral emblem of Scotland.

Habitat:

Thistle was spotted in a field in West Virginia near a shopping mall. There were several birds attracted to this thistle--american goldfinch, cedar waxwing, and blue bunting. Great place for birding.