This is probably the thistle which inspired the Scottish emblem but in England it's another illegal weed which grows almost anywhere.  Touch of historical irony there - the English making the Scottish emblem an illegal growth. It is a great plant for insects though and after it has flowered it isn't uncommon to see goldfinches eating the seed.

C. vulgare is found in all parts of the British Isles and Ireland.

Begin Cirsium	Begin Carduus

LHS: Near Coed Cilygroeslwyd, North Wales, 12th July 2004RHS Frodsham marsh 4th October 2004

Added on 14th October 2004, amended 23rd January 2005, updated 1st December 2008, updated 14th March 2010