Having a very deep taproot, this biennial can withstand low soil moisture and few nutrients. Its leaves are tough and leathery. During the full sun of early morning and afternoon, the flowers are only half open, as shown. Nectar loving hawk moths visit this flower after dark, pollinating it. There are over a dozen species in our area, many are cultivated in the home flower garden.
Birds enjoy the seeds.
Butterflies like this wetland plant. The stem has two, spiny wings along it whereas other thistles do not have these wings. Thrives in dry, harsh conditions back from the shore but in full sun. Takes two years to flower. Common mullein is another plant that can take the heat.