Are thistle of any use

[lottie lou]

Got loads of thistles growing around my plot.  Are they of any use for anything.

[lottie lou]

[Bugloss2009]

food for goldfinches?

[lavenderlux]

Thistle flowers are much loved by bees and butterflies but they seed everywhere and your plot neighbours may not like you leaving them to go to seed

[Robert_Brenchley]

Let them flower, then pull the flowers off, dig them up, and compost them.

[goodlife]

Hmmm...giving a good thrashing on back.. :-X ;D

[taurus]

cut just as they turn brown. Hang to dry.  Come the autumn spray paint what ever your xmas theme.  Add to flower arrangements or on there own in a vase  ;D

[Uncle_Filthster]

Fantastic nectar source for insects (especially late summer/early autumn when most things have gone over) but are otherwise a source of rectal discomfort as the are a competitive species (plus I've sat on plenty)  ;D

[saddad]

Donkeys... Eeyore likes thistles...  :-X

[Vinlander]

Milk thistles are supposed to be delicious salad - but you have to trim the spiny edges with scissors...


Cheers.