Wildflowers

Bull thistle and Common Tansy at Pike Place Market

Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) and Common Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) are both members of the aster family. Neither are native to the Americas; both were introduced from Europe, and both seem to thrive along roadsides and other disturbed areas. Thistle down was once used to stuff upholstery - the fluffy down, NOT the prickly bits! The leaves of the tansy may be used as an insecticide, but they are poisonous, so don't put them in your salad!