there's Cirsium in the field

[15_the_circle]

[OT from cottage renovations]

(click through this thumbnail for higher resolution image)

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upper field

Cirsium __________

so we have these thistles growing in the field.  Cirsium is a genus containing 93 species that epitomise the old saying "never send an ignoramus to do a botanist's job" (or something to that extent). 

my first  thought  guess was was Cirsium virginianum or Virginia thistle, but its profile in the USDA Plants Database gives the distinct impression that we're not within its range -- who am I to contradict the government?  second guess is C. pumilum or pasture thistle.  if that doesn't hold up, well, there are another 91 to choose from and it's getting late. 

place your bets if you will but I'm going to catch some Zs, pursued I'm sure by nightmares of unclassifiable thistles (except for artichokes, Cynara scolymus, which I can readily identify and the gastronomic properties of which I am always happy to subject to further testing, whatever the sacrifice). 

Comments

[djaza.livejournal.com]

NINETY THREE species???? Dang. It's a many headed monster.