#3835 - Onopordum acanthium - Cotton Thistle
"spiny donkey-fart"
AKA Scotch (or Scottish) thistle, but not be confused with Cirsium vulgare (spear thistle), the national flower of Scotland, which is actually native to Scotland. this one is found from Iberian Peninsula east to Kazakhstan, and north to central Scandinavia, but is now a serious weed in many other parts of the world. One example of its invasive potential comes from Utah, were it was first recorded in 1963, and by 1989 covered 22,540 hectares in 22 counties.
It can grow to over 3m in height, and thrives in disturbed areas and agricultural land.
In some areas it's grown as an ornamental plant for its foliage and large flowers, and the edible receptacle. Oil from the many seeds has been used for burning and cooking, and the cottony hairs that give it its common name have been collected to stuff pillows.
Earthquakes, Waitaki Whitestone Geopark, Aotearoa New Zealand.
