Thistle

[Dave A]

Came across a Scotch Thistle today while out on a walk down by the lake. They are beautiful this time of year although no less prickly.

Dave

[zen]

Hi Dave,
I like the image - of a plant most of us generally consider a weed - and which often crowds out other plantings in our gardens.

An unknown fact of useless value is that these thistle "pricklys" were used by Early's of Witney to fluff up their woolen blankets [of Hudson's Bay blanket fame] back in the old days. After the woolen thread fabric was woven on the looms, the prickleys were rolled over the fabric to pull up the threads, increasing the thickness and softness of the woolen blanket fabric.

So, this weed does, or did, have value other than being an intriguing subject for us photographers.

Thanks for shring.

Zen

[lovelife65]

Very nicely done. Great colors. Beauty in something we don't normally think of as beautiful.
From what I understand, goats and cows love these things

[Dave A]

Hi Dave,
I like the image - of a plant most of us generally consider a weed - and which often crowds out other plantings in our gardens.

An unknown fact of useless value is that these thistle "pricklys" were used by Early's of Witney to fluff up their woolen blankets [of Hudson's Bay blanket fame] back in the old days. After the woolen thread fabric was woven on the looms, the prickleys were rolled over the fabric to pull up the threads, increasing the thickness and softness of the woolen blanket fabric.

So, this weed does, or did, have value other than being an intriguing subject for us photographers.

Thanks for shring.

Zen

Thank you Zen for that tidbit of information......interesting.

Dave

[JBW]

fabulous. Prickly is good.