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Bracts completely surround and protect the flower of this musk thistle. As the flower blooms, the bracts will invert themselves revealing the flowering bloom within. See my shot of it in bloom HERE.
Musk thistle or nodding thistle (Carduus nutans) belongs to the sunflower family (Asteraceae). This species is a biennial generally requiring two years to complete its life cycle. These flowers are native to Europe and Asia, but are now a common agricultural pest throughout the United States and much of southern Canada. Musk thistle was introduced to North America in 1853. Throughout most of its range musk thistle is considered a noxious weed, but is sometimes cultivated in gardens for its showy flowers.
From the archives...........Captured at Illinois Beach State Park on June 9, 2012.
I'll be taking some time off to relax and re-energize. Confinement and lack of travel is wearing on me. I'll try to visit you until my return in September.
New photos posted on most Mondays through Thursdays.
All photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced or distributed without my expressed, written consent.
@The Yum List: I haven't been posting new photos since this photo was posted on August 6th and you have already posted a comment on this photo back on August 9th. :-)
@tataray: Salutations, Raymonde! Je reviendrai lundi. Je vous verrai ensuite. Merci beaucoup!