Pretty in Pink But Thorny as Thistle
Ahhhh spring blooms. So lovely, so many masquerading as weeds. If the tenacious, thorny Texas thistle didn’t beguile us with its huge pink pom-pom of a flower, would we ever tolerate its presence? Thistles are now blooming in unsuspecting central Texas yards and fields, causing gape-mouthed cries from those who didn’t think nature could present such a neon pink color among its cloak of many colors. Well yes she can, and does, at this time of year in Austin and the surrounding countryside. And yes, we detest thistle. But before we do, we surely do love its hot pink blooms.
Reasons to leave thistle be:
- Bumblebees love it
- Painted-lady butterfly larvae feed on it
- Goldfinches line their nests with it
- Before it blooms, it looks like it came from outer space
Not convinced? Thistle can be persuasive: it will stick you, prick you and stab you, just to make its point. ♣
Got a favorite weed masquerading as a flower? Do tell.
To learn more about Texas thistles (AKA Cirsium texanum Buckley), Ask Mr. Smarty Pants.
Wow! Texas always does it up big!
is this where I say, Everything’s bigger in Texas? Thanks for commenting here, Angeline. Your gravatar is looking tempting right about now . . .
Lovely photos. They do, indeed, look like something from outer space when they bloom! Texas seems to have a number of unique flowers. I know Blue Bonnets are unique to Texas – I wonder if there are more. (Must ask Smarty Pants!)
Thanks June, so glad you checked these out. These wildflowers really wowed my East coast eyes, that’s certain!