Popular modern usage favours cotton thistle ( `` Onopordum acanthium '' ) , perhaps because of its more imposing appearance , though it is unlikely to have occurred in Scotland in mediaeval times ; the spear thistle ( `` Cirsium vulgare '' ) , an abundant native species in Scotland , is a more likely candidate .
Popular modern usage favours Cotton Thistle `` Onopordum acanthium '' , perhaps because of its more imposing appearance , though it is unlikely to have occurred in Scotland in mediaeval times ; the Spear Thistle `` Cirsium vulgare '' , an abundant native species in Scotland , is a more likely candidate .