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?
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mother. wife. friend. teacher. writer. reader. photographer. birder. quilter. blogger.
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!