Growing in the mid-latitudes across much of North America the plant is considered to be a noxious weed and requires various control methods. Most livestock will not touch it, it spreads like wildfire, and is difficult to eradicate.

These are the flowers that are atop the large plants growing on our farm. Currently I have been able to reduce the numbers by mechanical removal of the plants which has prevented seeds from spreading. Thistle is a particularly sneaky plant in that is can produce seeds even after the flowers have been cut from the plant. The unopened flowers will eventually open after being cut which will allow for the seeds to spread. I find it is good to put the flowers into garbage bags to alleviate some of this.

While not ALL bad, the plant has some uses to humans. The flowers have been eaten like artichokes, people take Scotch thistle to stimulate the heart, the seeds have been pressed of oil, and the plant is edible when stripped of it's spiny skin. Though none of these uses are reason enough for me to leave the plants so I make sure to remove them each year.

Check out my blog @flemingfarm

For more information about our farm:
Fleming Family Farm
FLEMING FAMILY FARM, LLC
Sustainable & Organic Methods | Heirloom Produce

All images are original works of Fleming Family Farm unless otherwise notated and credited.

If you find this post useful or entertaining, your support is greatly appreciated by upvoting, resteeming, following, or setting us to autovote on SteemAuto!