can anyone identify this plant?

[reese_in_va]

This plant is growing on our stable road and before I get rid of it I was wondering what it is. I would think this thorny little plant should have somekind of medicinal value. There are three of them growing near each other. Anybody recognize it? Thanks.

[Bronxboy]

John Evans (aka nature lover) to the rescue!!! (lol)

[Keith R]

Hmm, maybe since we have a good thread going on DR animal pics, we should turn this one into a thread on interesting DR plants. Whatcha think?

[Bronxboy]

Sounds interesting!!!

[leekiv]

Originally Posted by Keith R

Hmm, maybe since we have a good thread going on DR animal pics, we should turn this one into a thread on interesting DR plants. Whatcha think?

I think its a Yes

[reese_in_va]

Great idea keith, I have many plants I would love to discover what they are, then research them.

[M.A.R.]

I've seen it before but can't remember the name.

[Norma Rosa]

Originally Posted by reese_in_va

This plant is growing on our stable road and before I get rid of it I was wondering what it is. I would think this thorny little plant should have somekind of medicinal value. There are three of them growing near each other. Anybody recognize it? Thanks.

I think it is cardo santo.

[reese_in_va]

It has thistles, yes. But is it a thistle?

[reese_in_va]

I am looking in wikipedia, but there are many many types. It appears to be indeed a thistle, thanks Norma Rosa.
I mentioned this is on the road to our stable...we have horses here and some thistles are toxic to horses. Now I'm even more curious.