I assume (haven't checked) it is two different plants. Teasels like above grow in marshy areas and are softish to touch. Thistles are sharp like cactus even when they have died off.
Peggy, I had a similar picture posted on my project on Sept 15, 2014. I asked for help identifying it. Was told it was a teasel/teasle, which I googled and found out the correct scientific name is dipsacus.
Teasels in UK.
Great for photos aren't they :)