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.
The huge, erect, leafy plant resembles tobacco, and indeed it has been used as such. The flower spike extends to 4 feet tall in late summer, bearing numerous, small yellow flowers. See page 3 for more plants. Back to page 1 Plants of the Coastal Zone. Iosco Co. Write Walter Hoagman with comments or suggestions.