There is no denying the beauty of the flowers of the Canada Thistle. Unfortunately, the plant’s prickly nature and highly successful ability to propagate, have caused it to be labeled a noxious weed in most of Canada and about 35 U.S. States. Ironically, it isn’t even native to Canada, having come from the Mediterranean region and southeast Europe. It was likely a stowaway in contaminated hay and grain seed brought in during early colonization in the 17th century.
The early residents of New England (USA) blamed the appearance of the thistle on the French traders from Canada, but historians now believe the thistle arrived in both countries at about the same time. So, like the Canada Goose and Canadian Clipper storms, the thistle joined the ranks of things that Canadians might be blamed for.
When I looked for a quotation about the thistle, the most popular one by far was this one which shows the undesirability of the thistle in comparison to other flowers:
I want it said of me by those who knew me best, that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow.
– Abraham Lincoln –
The only quotation with a positive spin compared the flight of Santa’s sleigh to the movement of blowing thistle seed.
He sprung to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew, like the down of a thistle:
– Clement Clarke Moore, A Visit from St. Nicholas, 1823 –
There are over 200 known varieties of thistle. Which one is common where you live?
I have seen a plant like that here in Oregon and thought it lovely!
LikeLike
I agree, it has a beautiful flower. Too bad that the rest of it is so prickly!
LikeLike
It is a pretty plant, but pests can be pretty, I guess!
LikeLike
I think most plants have an appealing aspect to them, even if they are pests!
LikeLike
We have some very pretty pesky thistles here as well – but I’ve never seen one this colour! 😉
LikeLike
The Canada Thistle can have pink, purple or white flowers. I suppose thistles everywhere have a significant range of colours too!
LikeLike
Your photos show it so beautifully but boy it can be a nightmare on a farm.
LikeLike
I know what you mean. We have a farm right behind us and I’m sure they put a lot of energy into keeping the thistles out of the crops.
LikeLike
Relentless those thistles. Real survivors!
LikeLike
Even “weeds” have redeeming qualities, and beauty certainly is redeeming. Love the “marble” photo.
LikeLike
“A weed is a plant that has mastered every survival skill except for learning how to grow in rows.”
Doug Larson
Isn’t that a good comment about a weed’s qualities!?
LikeLike
More poetic than my dad’s definition: A weed is anything growing where you don’t want it.
LikeLike
I don’t which variety is common in this area of the Great Lakes, but I like it’s beauty. Always reminds me of my Scottish ancestors.
LikeLike
I have Scottish ancestors too. I wonder if they were a ‘prickly’ bunch of people!
LikeLike