Thistle Blossom

Thistle blossom is both beautiful and dangerous for the careless. Like roses these plants are covered with sharp spikes that repel even the most hungry herbivore. But during breeding season these same spikes help the plant to create the future generation by sticking to the fur of animals that pass by. When dry they are often used as home decoration and in the art of ikebana. It is considered to be the national flower of Scotland due to a famous Scottish legend dating from Viking times. The story tells that long time ago one invader cried loudly stepping on a thistle and thus alerting the defenders of a nearby castle. True or false - nobody knows. Both legends and photo art give freedom to our imagination.