Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: Field Thistle

A macro of a small Canada Thistle flower, Cirsium arvense, (also known locally as Creeping Thistle). This species was introduced from France. Also called Field Thistle. The stems of this noxious weed (with beautiful flowers) creep underground, forming colonies and it seems to have invaded everywhere, preventing our native species from growing. Photographed this one at Horseshoe Canyon, near Drumheller, in the Alberta Badlands. talkaboutwildlife.ca/profile/?s=1281

This plant originated in Eurasia and was introduced all across Canada. Though it is a valuable nectar source for honey bees, it has become a troublesome and noxious weed in Alberta.