131576 SPEAR THISTLE Cirsium vulgare (Asteraceae) Height to 1m
Upright biennial with stems that are downy and spiny-winged between the leaves. Grows in grassland and on disturbed ground. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 2-4cm across, that comprise purple florets topping a basal ball coated with spiny bracts; heads are solitary or in small clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS have feathery pappus hairs. LEAVES are pinnately lobed and spiny. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
