The Thistle reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Thistle

Thistle
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Asterales Family: Asteraceae Genus: Cirsium

Thistles are perennial flowering plants of the genus Cirsium. They are known for their effusive flowered heads (usually purple, rose, yellow, or white) and prickly stems and leaves, with a characteristic focal point at the base of the flower which is particularly spiny. Most species are considered weeds, but some are cultivated in gardens for their aesthetic value.

Thistle is also a common name for several other genera within Asteraceae, or species within them:

• Arctium – Burdock
• Carduus – Plumeless thistle
• Carlina – Carline thistle
• Cynara – Artichokes
• Echinops – Globethistle
• Onopordum – Cottonthistle
• Silybum – Milk thistle

The thistle is the national flower of Scotland, and features in many Scottish symbols and logos.

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