This thistle was photographed in the same field as the rockrose, field mouse-ear and thyme above. Yarrow , Achillea millefolium A common weed in grass verges, old lawns and so on. The flowers are usually white, but sometimes pale pink or lilac. It is not actually a native, but clearly finds conditions to its liking. The name is particularly apt as the rayless flowers resemble tiny pineapples, and the whole plant when crushed has a strong sweet scent very reminiscent of pineapples.
Burdocks can grow very large, over six feet tall, with enormous leaves.
The hooked hairs on the calyx develop into the burrs which attach themselves to passing animals including dogs and humans in order to disperse the seeds. Thistle, spear , Cirsium vulgare The commonest large thistle. The scentless flower-heads are upright, in contrast to those of Musk thistles which hang down. The only native British balsam, although doubtfully truly native in Ryedale, where it is not common. Yellow balsam grows in marshy places and ditches.