A Prairie Thistle...for Monday's Country Backroads

 

The Texas Thistle, Cirsium texanum, is not to be confused with the

beloved Scottish Thistle.

 

As you can see....

 the color is a real attention getter,

 especially when the sun is as bright as it is today.

 

 

You will find it along the roadways on the prairie,

 blooming from April to July.

 

As your new week begins today,

remember

 to enjoy all that is around you.

 

Meggie Mac

The Texas Thistle - My Favorite Wildflower

There are about 4,600 native flowers to Texas. Our state has more species than most, due to the fact that we have a vast amount of different eco systems to accommodate these high numbers. The Texas Thistle is by far my favorite with its' deep rose-lavender color.

The Texas Thistle grows 2 to 5 feet tall, without branches, or sparingly branched near the top.













In 1982, Lady Bird Johnson, wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson, and actress Helen Hayes founded an organization to protect and preserve North America's native plants and natural landscapes. If you would like to learn more about Ms Johnson's efforts to preserve Texas wildflowers, click on Wildflower Center.

Years ago, I was so taken by this wildflower, that I took to my brushes and canvas and painted this stately beauty....

Meggie Mac