Thistles

Thistles are one of the most easily recognised plants, with prickly leaves and pink or purple flower heads. They grow in a wide variety of locations, and around 14 different species can be found in the UK. Thistles have been a symbol of Scottish heraldry for over 500 years! 

The creeping thistle is one of the most common in the UK. It provides a food source for a range of insects and birds which feed on the leaves, flower heads and stems. Creeping thistle spreads via lateral roots that develop buds at intervals along each root. Plants are either male or female and grow next to each other to allow cross-pollination. 

The rapid spread of creeping thistle can become a problem in the garden, especially in new lawns. Regular mowing will generally remove thistles from the grass, so they are rarely a problem in well maintained and established lawns. If necessary, creeping thistles can be dug out but care needs to be taken to remove the whole root system as the plant easily regenerates.