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Knapweed or Thistle

Knapweed or Thistle

Is this a knapweed or thistle? As hard as I try to identify some blossoms, I often get stuck. Especially since some are very similar. I came across this pretty purple flower along the nature trail at Wixom Habitat in Michigan. I think it is a knapweed but the more I research it, the more confused I get.

My confusion started when I realized I had previously posted a bud and blossom of a thistle. There are some similarities, aren’t there? Now,I have doubts about being right on either one.

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No usage allowed in any form without my written consent.

Posted for Terri’s Flower Hour

I am curious to know your thoughts.

34 responses to “Knapweed or Thistle”

  1. WanderingCanadians Avatar
    WanderingCanadians

    Not sure what it is, but the colour of the blossom is stunning

    Reply
    1. Pepper Avatar
      Pepper

      I love the color too! 😉

      Reply
  2. Leanne Cole Avatar
    Leanne Cole

    Beautiful Pepper.

    Reply
    1. Pepper Avatar
      Pepper

      Thanks, Leanne. 😊

      Reply
  3. tomwhelan Avatar
    tomwhelan

    The flower and background colors are vibrant. Definitely not knapweed, some kind of thistle, don’t know the species.

    Reply
    1. Pepper Avatar
      Pepper

      Thanks, Tom. That is very helpful. I was very close to calling it knapweed until I realized I couldn’t tell the difference.

      Reply
  4. bradenmikael Avatar
    bradenmikael

    So vibrant and detailed!

    Reply
    1. Pepper Avatar
      Pepper

      Thanks. So glad you enjoyed the lovely weed. 😊

      Reply
      1. bradenmikael Avatar
        bradenmikael

        A weed to some, to other living creatures, an absolute paradise. 😉

        Reply
        1. Pepper Avatar
          Pepper

          So true! 😉

          Reply
  5. norasphotos4u Avatar
    norasphotos4u

    It’s pretty whatever it is

    Reply
    1. Pepper Avatar
      Pepper

      Thanks, Nora. I think it is too. 😊

      Reply
  6. Linda Schaub Avatar
    Linda Schaub

    It’s pretty – I’ve never seen knapweed before, but a lot of Thistles look like this in Summer.

    Reply
    1. Pepper Avatar
      Pepper

      Exactly why I get easily confused in identification. 😂

      Reply
      1. Linda Schaub Avatar
        Linda Schaub

        Google images doesn’t always know either – they may give you several types of Thistles and you are no further ahead! 🙂

        Reply
        1. Pepper Avatar
          Pepper

          Very true. 😜

          Reply
  7. Egídio Avatar
    Egídio

    Whatever it is, it is certainly beautiful. You captured gorgeous details. I use iNaturalist to identify flora and fauna. It is very helpful to include your GPS location in the photo for a more precise identification there.

    Reply
    1. Pepper Avatar
      Pepper

      Oh, how was I not aware of this wonderful app? I just got it and can’t wait to get out there to try it. Thanks, Egidio. 😊

      Reply
      1. Egídio Avatar
        Egídio

        You’re welcome. It’s a great app, and you can also use it on your desktop (via the web).

        Reply
        1. Pepper Avatar
          Pepper

          Thanks for your help. 😊

          Reply
  8. Tranature - quiet moments in nature Avatar
    Tranature - quiet moments in nature

    The flowers are very similar and I would need to see more of the stem and leaves to be sure, but I’m leaning towards thistle 💜 xxx

    Reply
    1. Pepper Avatar
      Pepper

      Thanks, Xenia. That helps to know what to look for next time I spot them. 😊

      Reply
  9. Rupali Avatar
    Rupali

    A nice clear shot.

    Reply
    1. Pepper Avatar
      Pepper

      Thanks, Rupali. Helps when there is not much wind. 😉

      Reply
  10. Eliza Waters Avatar
    Eliza Waters

    Generally, thistles will be spiny, both in calyx and leaf. Knapweed is like a bachelor button (same Genus) with a calyx and leaf that is smooth or fuzzy, but not prickly. Hope that helps!

    Reply
    1. Pepper Avatar
      Pepper

      Yes, that helps tons! It is the clearest explanation of how to tell the difference I have seen. Thank you so much, Eliza.

      Reply
      1. Pepper Avatar
        Pepper

        FYI – I’ve started an “Eliza’s Notes” file on computer. Your responses to these types of questions are always so helpful that I want to be able to get back to them when needed. Much quicker to save them in one place than dig through by blog comments. That is how useful your comments are. Thank you so much. 😁

        Reply
      2. Eliza Waters Avatar
        Eliza Waters

        My pleasure! 🙂

        Reply
  11. Terri Webster Schrandt Avatar
    Terri Webster Schrandt

    Whatever it thinks it is, it sure is beautiful, Pepper! Love that color!

    Reply
    1. Pepper Avatar
      Pepper

      Thanks, Terri. The wonderful color is hard to miss. 😊

      Reply
  12. Lynette d'Arty-Cross Avatar
    Lynette d'Arty-Cross

    Lovely capture.

    Reply
    1. Pepper Avatar
      Pepper

      Thanks, Lynette. 😊

      Reply
  13. Frank Hubeny Avatar
    Frank Hubeny

    The details of the pink blossom and the green leaf in the background are nicely tied together by the budding flower.

    Reply
    1. Pepper Avatar
      Pepper

      Thanks, Frank. I do enjoy the blossoms along the trail.

      Reply
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