#thistles — Public Fediverse posts

We moved ours to a spot where they could do their thing. We know the bees love them and didn't want to destroy them.

Saving Pollinators One Thistle at a Time

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Chris Helzer

"Pollinator populations are in trouble for a lot of reasons. Loss and degradation of habitat, pesticides, and diseases are all major contributors. However, at least in the Central United States, much of the pollinator decline can be tied to spiny pink/purple-flowered plants and the way humans react to them.

"On the face of it, thistles seem like they’d be pretty well-liked. Thistle seeds are a major food source for birds and other wildlife, as well as for a variety of invertebrates. The abundant nectar and pollen found in thistle flowers make them one of the most popular plants among both pollinator and non-pollinator invertebrates. As if that wasn’t enough, most thistles have large and/or abundant blossoms, which you’d think would make them very attractive to people. Sure, they’ve got spines, but so do cacti, yucca, and many other plants gardeners love to landscape with. So why do we hate thistles so much?

"The cultural dislike of thistles is not at all a new phenomenon; references to the unpopularity of thistles can be found at least as far back as the Book of Genesis in the Bible. There, thistles are mentioned when God curses Adam after he eats the forbidden fruit. Genesis 3:17-18 – 'Cursed is the ground because of you… Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you…' Clearly, if God includes thistles as part of His curse on all humanity, they are not a crowd favorite.

"Regardless of why thistles are so widely disliked, our contempt for them causes serious problems for pollinators. This happens in two ways: 1) direct destruction of an important floral resource for pollinators, and 2) major side effects associated with #1.

"Because thistles are so important to pollinators, our compulsion to destroy them is a major problem. Sure, some thistle species are invasive and can cause enough ecological damage that their control is warranted. Most thistle species, however, are targeted for destruction purely because they are thistles. Many of those are native wildflower species and are not at all aggressive or problematic. Regardless, there are few places where thistles are tolerated, let alone encouraged. The result is the loss of a big source of food for many pollinators."

Read more:
https://prairieecologist.com/2015/08/26/saving-pollinators-one-thistle-at-a-time/

#SolarPunkSunday #GardeningForPollinators #Thistles

I dug out some invasive/unwanted #thistles.
They have strong taproot that become bigger & stronger if left to grow/spread.

#InvasivePlants #spiky #foliage #weeding #textures #plants #botanical #green #Saanich #VancouverIsland #TextureTuesday

I dug out some invasive/unwanted #thistles.
They have strong taproot that become bigger & stronger if left to grow/spread.

#InvasivePlants #spiky #foliage #weeding #textures #plants #botanical #green #Saanich #VancouverIsland #TextureTuesday

I dug out some invasive/unwanted #thistles.
They have strong taproot that become bigger & stronger if left to grow/spread.

#InvasivePlants #spiky #foliage #weeding #textures #plants #botanical #green #Saanich #VancouverIsland #TextureTuesday

I dug out some invasive/unwanted #thistles.
They have strong taproot that become bigger & stronger if left to grow/spread.

#InvasivePlants #spiky #foliage #weeding #textures #plants #botanical #green #Saanich #VancouverIsland #TextureTuesday

I dug out some invasive/unwanted #thistles.
They have strong taproot that become bigger & stronger if left to grow/spread.

#InvasivePlants #spiky #foliage #weeding #textures #plants #botanical #green #Saanich #VancouverIsland #TextureTuesday

#theBeeAt3

Basic bee facts every day at 3pm.

# 251

Thistles are a vital #nectar source for male #bumblebees specifically (also for many other #pollinators!).
Their current status should be revisited in both a rural and urban context.
#thistles do good!
Leave them grow.
#bees
#nature
#biodiversity
#wildlife
#wildlifephotography
#monday
#environment
#vegan
#worldbeesanctuary

Found this beauty while hiking :pika:
#thistle #thistles #distel #hiking #HikingMetalPunks

Operation #FuckTheThistles has begun.

4 x 2 litres bottles of #doublestrength vinegar & 8 x spray bottles have just been delivered.

I think my neighbours might start having unexplained urges for fish & chips.

I have already used some of the vinegar for tonight’s #dinner - #CornedBeef.

#thistles #vinegar #gardening

Disteln und ihre Besucher / Thistles and their visitors
https://archive.org/details/080000_202008
#Disteln -> https://www.goehde.com/fotos/index.php?/category/2070

#carduoideae #pflanzen #nature #plants #angiosperms #asterales #asteraceae #thistles #video #slide #slideshow

Thistles are a beautiful plant and the beloved floral emblem of Scotland. Find out how thistles can banish evil, drive away gloomy thoughts, and protect your home in this week's episode of Fabulous Folklore! https://pod.co/fabulous-folklore-with-icy/folklore-of-thistles-protection-from-evil-predicting-rain-and-a-mental-boost #FabulousFolklorePodcast #Thistles #Folklore #PlantLore

Here’s why we should stop weeding. Learn to love our dandelions and brambles | Alys Fowler | The Guardian
#Weeds
#Weeding
#Dandelion
#Brambles
#ChelseaFlowerShow
#Chelsea
#Ecology
#Ecologist
#Naturalist
#WildGardeners
#Rewilding
#Blackberries
#ProtectionForSongbirds
#Songbirds
#Thistles
#Gardens
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/26/chelsea-flower-show-wild-weeds-vital-plants-soil-insects-birds