Thistles (Cirsium spp.) are some misunderstood and unappreciated plants!

There are native and non-native ones, of course, and they can spread aggressively. At least seven species are found in Georgia. Yes, they can be a little prickly, but that doesn’t stop the pollinators from extracting nectar from the small flowers clustered on their fluffy heads. Later, seed-loving birds like goldfinches will seek them out for their seeds (and even the fluffy stuff that surrounds the seeds is used for nests). They are also larval host plants for butterflies such as the Painted lady. Tall thistle (Cirsium altissimum) is one of the native ones; identification clues are lack of prickles on the stem, whitish undersides on the simple, unlobed leaves and late summer bloom time. . . . #nativeplants #nativeplantsofgeorgia #gardening #pollinatorplants #pollinatorgardening #nativehabitat #wildlifegardening #plants #georgia #gonative #spring