A-Z of Services

Spear Thistle

Name	Cirsium vulgare
Also known as	for thistle generally - Milky Dashels, Donkey's Breakfast
	Waste and disturbed ground, pasture, roadside verges.
	biennial
	The Spear Thistle is the most likely candidate for the role of the Scotch thistle. The French King Charles V founded the Order of the Thistle during the Hundred Years War. The Stewart Kings of Scotland borrowed the thistle in the 15th Century to be a symbol of Scottish independence. In Dumfries & Galloway an annual ceremony called "the Riding of the Marches" takes place and involves the thistle as "a warning to lairds and others not to meddle with the privileges of the people."
	Culpeper kindly recommends "All thistles are good to amend the rank smel of the Armpits, being boyled in Wine and drunk; and are said to help a stinking breath."
	80-150cm (32-60")
	July - Oct

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Key

	Habitat

	Plant Type

	Traditions & Culture

	Medicinal Qualities

	Size

	Flowering Season

	Distinguishing Features

	Poisonous

	Native or Foreign

	Please do not pick, collect or disturb this plant