Ellen @ellimae posted a shot of some of these and was wondering if they are ever fully purple. Well, I took my camera, as always, on my workout and found them. Close inspection showed that there are more little blooms there at the bottom and then others had a ring in the middle and I could see blooms ready at the top as well. Bees and butterflies were working at them and the tiny blooms were falling off adding to the ringed look. I didn't really feel like I knew anything more about if they bloom out fully so I came home and Googled it and found out that they bloom in stages, thus explaining the little buds in waiting. Even after they are done blooming and feeding the bees and butterflies, the seeds are ready for fall and winter food for the finches. I also found out that they are not a thistle. One year I collected the dried heads, glued on wiggle eyes, felt ears and a tail, making little mice for my little Sunday School class. They loved it and nobody got hurt on the spines. I picked this shot because you can see the stages of blooms.
Great Capture Vicki!! and what wonderful information!! I am so glad you investigated that for me you are soooo sweet!! as i am not a googler :P .... These are a very Beautiful Weeds and i Think they are so Photogenic and have such great Personality in all of its Stages! Great Job and Thanks again! :0)
