Bull Thistle
by Mellissa Ray
Title
Bull Thistle
Artist
Mellissa Ray
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
This image was taken at the Paute Meadows located in Susanville, California.
"Bull thistles have earned the title of noxious or invasive in many areas. They are distinguished from all other thistles by the covering of short, sharp prickles on the upper, dark green surface of the leaf blade. It is these prickles that make the surface very harsh to the touch. Like many other plants, the bull thistle grows a rosette in its first year and blooms in its second year of life."
"Bull Thistles are a good food source for many animals and birds. Rabbits and deer eat the leaves and stems. Flower nectar is consumed by hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Seeds (called "thistledown") are popular with many birds, such as American Goldfinches and Juncos, as well as mice and other small mammals."
Uploaded
January 18th, 2017
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