Name that plant

Discussion in 'Plant ID' started by Gardengirl, Oct 15, 2017.

  1. Gardengirl

    Gardengirl Young Pine

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    This thistle like plant has mysteriously appeared in my garden. It can't be a weed can it? It is too pretty. Can anyone identify it? IMG_0458 1.jpg
     
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  3. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    It looks like a Scotch, llyrian or stemless thistle. I'm not 100% sure of my ID but take a look at some and see what you think.
     
  4. toni

    toni Mistress of Garden Junque Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    Illyrian thistle... Onopordum illyricum
    That looks like the rosette before it begins to flower.
     
  5. Palustris

    Palustris Young Pine

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    Hate to disagree with a Scot over a thistle but it looks like Silybum marianum to me. Milk Thistle is another name.
     



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  6. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    Mmmm I thought milk thistle had smaller, broader leaves that curled more. It grows around here at the side of rivers and in fields. Oh well I did say I wasn't totally sure of my ID.
     
  7. Gardengirl

    Gardengirl Young Pine

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    Thanks for the replies. As I remember Eric is usually right about plants and the Silybum marianum looks the nearest to my plant. When looking on Google it does seem to be a somewhat invasive weed so I may regret leaving it there, although I expect I can control it. Only time will tell. I wonder how it got down to the IOW though as it looks as if it is native mostly to America and Australia?
     
  8. Kay

    Kay Girl with Green Thumbs

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    The Thistles I know of can have some deep persistent roots!
     
  9. toni

    toni Mistress of Garden Junque Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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  10. Palustris

    Palustris Young Pine

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    We tried it here, but it did not persist. Biennial so if you want it, try to save some seeds.
     

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