- Location
- North Antrim
Similar to one we have over here "that $$@t needs bulled with a briar "
King Thistles
- Thread starter Lazy Sod
- Start date
- Location
- DD9.
Did someone say big thistles?…..
6ft tall currently
6ft tall currently
- Location
- Shropshire
That theres one that I got a rollicking for giving a good thrashing back with a wishty stick
I thought all proper farmers had one growing out of their chimney ?
- Location
- Shropshire
That’s great seen plenty ash trees growing out chimneys
- Location
- DD9.
Hence the fence, I’m not actually sure if it’s in the fenced area to keep the kids away or so I can’t clip it with the mower.
primmiemoo
Member
- Location
- Devon
Are you going to eat it?
- Location
- DD9.
Honestly don’t know.
I thought it was kale to start with. then it got big so I decided she’d planted it for birds.
Could just ask her I suppose, given we’re married and live in the same house
Wouldn’t be surprised if some of it ends up as dinner, but we don’t generally know we have eaten such things till the chef tells us after she’s gauged the quiet uncertainty at meal time.
- Location
- Shropshire
No idea
- Location
- Montgomeryshire
Those that do, perhaps wish they didn’t too?
Spear thistle ..Its a biennial , which of course means that(normally) it only lives for 2 years , the old saying of ..... "cut in July sure to die" said with a 
was actually a true one, as long as it wasn't until the 2nd July of its life and well, then it was gonna die anyway in that autumn .
... but the key to stop more the next year is to get them before seeding as that's the only way they spread and seed can lay around dormant for about 3 yrs until disturbed back into action .
....shows the best 'treatment' timings ...
doesnt seem any Bees on ours at all atm, was last year loads, bad spring for them as i understand it. ( the bees that is )
was actually a true one, as long as it wasn't until the 2nd July of its life and well, then it was gonna die anyway in that autumn .... but the key to stop more the next year is to get them before seeding as that's the only way they spread and seed can lay around dormant for about 3 yrs until disturbed back into action .
timings ...doesnt seem any Bees on ours at all atm, was last year loads, bad spring for them as i understand it.
( the bees that is )
Last edited:
- Location
- Near Beeston Castle
It is called faciation. A natural thing but I have noticed it is more common on thistles and dandelions where clopyralid has been used.
- Location
- Owaka, New Zealand
I think the story with this one was, it was in a relatively noticeable spot and my mate kept smoking it with the quad while doing the lambing beat - by weaning it had done this
- Location
- Montgomeryshire
A warning of the dangers of passive smoking then? Don’t do it kids or this will happen…
- Location
- Near Colchester
Isn't that a Cardoon?
Cab-over Pete
Member
- Location
- Kenilworth, Warwickshire
What’s this then? It’s about 5ft high.
- Location
- Central Scotland
Thistles make jaggy hay - especially in small square bales - ask me how i know.
- Location
- leics/warks border
I sent 2nd son to go and spud some in the hen run with the long handle shovel. I said "you will know the ones I mean, they are nearly as tall as you and look like Christmas trees" (he is 16).
He soon came back complaining that one fell on him
He soon came back complaining that one fell on him
primmiemoo
Member
- Location
- Devon
I think it's mullein. Lovely plant, and a ✔ for plant biodiversity.
There's a use medicinal use for it, too.