This thistle like plant has mysteriously appeared in my garden. It can't be a weed can it? It is too pretty. Can anyone identify it?
It looks like a Scotch, llyrian or stemless thistle. I'm not 100% sure of my ID but take a look at some and see what you think.
Hate to disagree with a Scot over a thistle but it looks like Silybum marianum to me. Milk Thistle is another name.
Mmmm I thought milk thistle had smaller, broader leaves that curled more. It grows around here at the side of rivers and in fields. Oh well I did say I wasn't totally sure of my ID.
Thanks for the replies. As I remember Eric is usually right about plants and the Silybum marianum looks the nearest to my plant. When looking on Google it does seem to be a somewhat invasive weed so I may regret leaving it there, although I expect I can control it. Only time will tell. I wonder how it got down to the IOW though as it looks as if it is native mostly to America and Australia?
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden....inderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277472&isprofile=0& It is native to the Mediterranean but has naturalized here in the states.
