Pasture Thistle Cirsium pumilum

Wildlife Value:  Members of the genus Cirsium support the following specialized bees: Melissodes (Heliomelissodes) desponsus, Osmia (Helicosmia) chalybea and Osmia (Helicosmia) texana.

Thistle is Scotland's national emblem and has been assoicated with Scotland for centuries. This hardy plant and vibrant tuffs are what makes it stand out. There around 200 species of this plant. Thistles in general have vibrant colors of blue, purple, dusky blue and purple, white  and even crimson red. Cirsium pumilum blooms in purple, pink, or white. They have prickly leaves and are hard to get rid of in your garden. Thistles attract butteflies and birds. One can see them in many farmers' fields, grasslands, pastures and woodlands. When removing a thistle from your garden, it is advisable to wear gardening gloves as this plant has prickly-parts not just on the leaves but also on the stem.