Bought thistles for the first time today. Love the striking geometry of this prickly plant, as well as its purple crowning glory. This is quite a handsome flower, don’t you agree?
While reading up on thistles, here are some fun facts I came upon today:
* The humble weed is the national emblem of Scotland
* A Drunk Man Looks at the Thistle (1926) is an epic, long poem by Hugh MacDiarmid. Written in Scots over 2685 lines, it follows an inebriated man as he reflects upon the fate of his divided nation Scotland. Listen to MacDiarmid read his masterpiece.
* Thistle is the favorite food of Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh. No wonder the poor donkey is gloomy all the time!
* Carthamus, the orange blooms that I discovered last year, is a type of thistle
This is a short post inspired by this week’s photo challenge on the theme of symmetry. Photos taken with an iPhone and edited using the VSCO Cam app.
Happy weekend!
Angelina Hue 
I love it! Not only I think it’s one of the most beautiful species but apparently it has also some super medicinal benefits (milk thistle). Your photos do it full justice Angelina!
Thanks Lia! Hope that you’re feeling much better now xoxox
Since you put it that way, geometry is perfect for symmetry and I love this purple plant!
Wow beautiful plant. Reminds me of a dandelion mixed with pineapple! 😀
I didn’t think of that… but now that you’ve mentioned this, it does resemble a pineapple somewhat. Especially those with green tops 😉
Lovely photos! Thistles are amazing as well as beautiful. Taking milk thistle supplements has helped my health immensely.
Thank you! Beautiful + useful, how convenient!