Tag Archives: bull thistle

Bull Thistles

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Bull thistles are the most common thistle in Raymore Park. They are found throughout the park’s wild areas and despite the prickles, their leaves are a source of food to deer and rabbits while insects and hummingbirds feed on their nectar. Apparently the roots when boiled taste like a Jerusalem artichoke and the leaves can be cooked and served spinach-style. Bull thistles are another eurasian invader but seem to have found a niche without being too invasive.

A bee sips nectar from a bull thistle in Raymore Park’s wild area. Click to enlarge.

Anomalies

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A couple of shots illustrate one of the habitats in Raymore Park.

A bull thistle stands guard over a field of queen anne's lace.

A bull thistle stands guard over a field of Queen Anne’s lace.

The field in question will be a small wood in a few years thanks to native saplings in place for several years. For now, weeds and wildflowers are enjoying the space. Bull thistles are not native but seem to be the most common thistle in Raymore Park. Members of the aster family they propagate by seeds alone. The roots and leaves are edible with some preparation.

Queen Anne's lace

This Queen Anne’s lace has a tiny red flower.

Another foreign invader (from Europe), Queen Anne’s lace is a member of the carrot family and the root is edible. Being a biennial plant, it flowers and dies in its second year. Insects love QAL and so it can’t be all bad.