Field Thistle is a native biennial of open fields and forest edges, forming a rosette the first year and a tall, branched flower stalk in the second. Its deep purple flower heads are among the most productive nectar sources for pollinators in the late-summer landscape. American goldfinches nest near thistles and use the fluffy seeds to line their nests.
Habitat
Open fields, forest edges, and disturbed areas in eastern North America
Diet
Outstanding nectar for bumblebees, monarchs, and swallowtails; seeds for goldfinches
How common
Common
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