In the Thick of Thistle

To some of us, thistles are just prickly, aggravating weeds meant to be dug up and thrown away.

To bumblebees, they are sustenance.

To the Scots, they are the national emblem and a symbol of high honor!
It seems that thistles once drove the barefoot Norsemen away from their invasion of Scottish shores.

Whatever, the flower of the thistle is really pretty up close!