A faded thistle flower is a philanthropist for new life. During its feathery transformation from birth to death, it becomes a bountiful instrument of rebirth.
After its brief dance with the sun, the spectacular spiked purple flower wanes to a wildish- looking seed head. This disheveled crown of downy white hairs, called pappus, is a cradle for the next thistle flowers. A single plant can produce between 1,500 and 20,000 seeds dispersed by wind on the wings of the pappus.
Wherever thistles land and grow, they are irresistible to a diverse population of pollinators. Some species enamored with thistle nectar include:
- Bumble bees and honey bees
- Monarchs
- Numerous fritillary species
- Goldfinches
- Sparrows
- Hummingbirds
- Skippers
- Tiger swallowtails
While thistles may be well-loved by pollinators, the plant has long been viewed as an invasive species. A tenacious, obstinate nuisance. An opponent to eradicate. With their stratospheric seed count, thistles can and do populate an area profusely. Willful and irrepressible, they appear and reappear and have been labeled weeds across global agriculture and gardening.
Thistles, however, can have far-reaching ecological and environmental benefits. Scientists, researchers and environmental experts have raised awareness and led conversations about these benefits for years. Ecosystem rewilding and wildlife habitat restoration are two areas where thistles make a significant, positive impact.
Rewilding, the process of reintroducing native plant species, is focused on restoring ecosystems to their natural states. This process bolsters biodiversity and ecosystem health—and thistles can play a key role. When thistles and other dense plants grow together, including others often viewed as weeds, they produce bushes and scrub essential to rewilding habitats.
Biodiversity enhancement
A thistle plant’s density and sharp edges provide protection and cover for pollinators, insects and small mammals. They are a vital food source for many bird species and help sustain these populations in rewilded areas.
Soil health improvement
The thistle’s deep taproots break up hard, compact soils, promote aeration and water infiltration and contribute to the carbon cycle. By penetrating hard soil layers, thistles make it easier for other plants to establish themselves, promoting a more diverse plant community. Sometimes, a change of perspective and practice can change an ecosystem.
Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end. Seneca
