Thistle on Grandview Trail
by Bonny Puckett
Title
Thistle on Grandview Trail
Artist
Bonny Puckett
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Arizona Thistle grows wild along the Grandview Trail on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.
This is a native, non-invasive, species of thistle that grows throughout the Southwestern United States. It is considered to be of special value to native pollinators including bumble bees, hummingbirds and nectar seeking bats. They are often visited by small mammals as well, and their seeds provide food for many birds species including finches.
All species of thistle are edible, making them easy to identify for foraging, however most species are not easy to prepare for use. They have sharp spines on the leaves and flower heads which need to be carefully removed before use, leaving very little of the plant left.
Native Americans used Thistle for medicinal purposes as the plant has anti-inflammatory properties and could be stepped into a tea.
Featured by Arizona Highways Magazine
This photo has been featured by Arizona Highways Magazine
Uploaded
January 21st, 2023
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