On 6-7-2020 we posted photos of a lovely rosette of thistle leaves.
The Musk Thistle plant is biennial -- seed germinates in the fall and survives winter as a small plant close to the ground. Covered by leaf litter, it is insulated through cold weather.
This plant has grown to over 5 feet tall, and branched out to display several flower buds. Each is beginning to show its true vibrant color.
Goldfinches use the downy parts of the seed produced by this flower, and they eat the thistle seed. But it is an invasive plant and very painful to touch.
