Common or bull thistle

Description:

This thistle is a biennial with a taproot and a purple flower with a spiny stem and leaves. It is a great nectar producing flower for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Habitat:

Bull thistle likes sunny, open areas and is usually found in disturbed areas such as roadsides, trails, meadows, and cultivated land. This one was found on the side of a small lake in the midst of suburban Portland