Bull Thistle

You don't know how badly I wanted to grab a few seeds from this flower but my eyes reasoned me out of even the slightest attempt. Later when I looked through my wildflower book to identify it, I read that it should never be touched unless wearing gloves. Good call Ann!

[Peter de Graaff]

Terrific detail and purple needles

[Crickle]

love the details! I love thistle plants, they are so interesting

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@peterdegraaff Thank you Peter!
@crickle1969 Thank you Chrystal!

[Colleen]

Did you want to plant the seeds or just see them? Nice details on it!

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@httpgeffed Thanks Colleen! Oh, yes I wanted to plant them. I have a patch on the side of my property that I am keeping more "natural" and these would look really pretty in there. But it's not worth bleeding fingers to get them!

[Kerri]

Beautiful! Great color and composition

[Kimmi]

Great color

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@kerristephens @kimmistephens
Thanks Kerri!
Thanks Kimmi!

[Rick Schies]

Oh you are a wise one, and a good lesson for us all. It is quite interesting

[Phil]

Gosh those purple spike are a warning to all! Amazing plant, great shot

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@digitalrn @filsie65
Thanks Rick!
Thanks Phil!

[Jennifer]

Definitely looks vicious! Fabulous detail.

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@jesperani Thank you Jennifer- yes, I was sure even the slightest poke would hurt!

[Wendy Bowden]

Wonderful focus, love the colours

[Mrs. Smith]

Interesting. I've never seen a wildflower like this! Excellent focus!

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@wenbow Thank you Wendy!
@mrssmith Thank you Carla!

This was a new one for me- hadn't seen this kind before.

[summerfield]

oh, i wouldn't touch this baby nor will i go near it without a NASA regulation space suit. that looks nasty! but a nice shot, ann.

[Dione Giorgio]

Lovely shotAnn. Very difficult to handle with all those nasty thorns.

[Carole Imes]

Beautiful capture. Love the detail and focus. Oh yes, I'd wear very thick gloves especially with my thin skin ;-)

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@summerfield lol Vikki! Thanks.
@sangwann Thanks Dione! You know they must be nasty when the wildflower book tells you not to touch them! Glad my better judgment prevailed even though I really wanted a seed or two to take home!

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@cimes1 Thanks Carole!

[Bev]

I was going to say I'm glad you didn't touch... Those points look sharp! I bet you would have bled some! Is it just because of the thorns that it shouldn't be handled except with gloves or is it poisonous as well? Either way, great shot. Well done!

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@prttblues Thanks Bev- my guess is that if you are stuck by one of those thorns there must be some sort of irritant in them, so maybe you get a rash or something. The book didn't say why, just that you should wear gloves.

[W.MARK HATCH]

Wow, amazing.

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@mhatch Thanks Mark!