thistle

Any of numerous often weedy plants of several genera of the composite family, including Cirsium, Carduus, and Onopordum, having prickly leaves and floral bracts.

Any of various other prickly plants, such as Russian thistle.

One of numerous stout composite weeds, armed with spines or prickles, bearing globular or thickly cylindrical heads with purple, yellow, or white flowers and no rays, and dispersing their seed by the aid of a light globe of pappus.

The artichoke.

The wild lettuce, Lactuca Scariola, var. virosa.

Same as blessed thistle.

Any one of several prickly composite plants, especially those of the genera Cnicus, Craduus, and Onopordon. The name is often also applied to other prickly plants.

Carduus benedictus, so named because it was formerly considered an antidote to the bite of venomous creatures.

Cnicus lanceolatus, the common large thistle of neglected pastures.

Cnicus arvensis, a native of Europe, but introduced into the United States from Canada.