BEG commented yesterday that she loves thistles too but that they are an invasive species. So, I wondered if there was a thistle that was native to California.
And, what do you know!
There is!
Venus Thistle, J. E.(Jed) and Bonnie McClellan © California Academy of Sciences
Venus Thistle (Cirsium occidentale var. venustum)
It’s definitely beautiful but perhaps not as striking as the invasive one I featured yesterday. I may try to find some at one of our local native plant nurseries. I LOVE the color of them.
What is your favorite native plant in your garden?
mother. wife. friend. teacher. writer. reader. photographer. birder. quilter. blogger.
Liza Lee Miller 
No not as striking but a lovely shade of pink (hey, pink!) nonetheless. I’m gobsmacked… I’ve known for years that the other thistle is invasive but never thought to look for a native version… 🙂
I *try* to plant native whenever possible but its hard to do. So many plants that I love aren’t even remotely native. Still, when I can, I do. And, the PINK is the best thing about them!
ooh, so pretty!!
Aren’t artichokes a form of thistle?? If so, yeah–I love them too! 😀
I’m holding healing thoughts for your Mom, Liza. (and calm ones for you!!)
Thanks so much Wende. And yes, I believe artichokes *are* thistles . . . no wonder I love them so much! Mom seems to have come through as well as we hoped which is great news. Evidently, they are anticipating a speedy recovery! Hurrah!