Thriving Texas Thistles

Bluebonnets may be the state flower, but the ubiquitous Texas thistle (Cirsium texanum, family Asteraceae) is a native prevalent in the wildflower landscape, along with it’s invasive Eurasian look-alike the Nodding Thistle (Carduus nutans) pictured below (also named Musk Thistle).

Thousands upon thousands of Texas thistle thrive in the arid North Texas landscape.
Thousands upon thousands of Texas thistle and Nodding Thistle thrive in the arid North Texas landscape.
It looks good enough to eat - like one of those coconut-covered marsh mellow balls - but the edible thistle is Cirsium edule.
It looks good enough to eat – like one of those coconut-covered marsh mellow balls – but the edible thistle is Cirsium edule.
The non-native Queen Anne's Lace (Daucus carota) often accompanies the Texas thistle, because it likes dry, open areas.
The non-native Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota) often accompanies the Texas thistle, because it likes dry, open areas.

2 thoughts on “Thriving Texas Thistles”

  1. I bought a thistle feeder because I’m hearing chickadees but not seeing them since winter. No bird has come for the month I’ve had it up???

    Great photos this Spring Albert!

    Reply

  2. Looks like that thistle you have a picture of is actually the invasive look-alike, Musk/Nodding thistle.

    Reply

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