For some large ungulates like elk, native thistles are a source of forage. There, thistles are mentioned when God curses Adam after he eats the forbidden fruit. If you’re interested in the distinction between them, it get’s a bit technical but there is a note at the end of this … There are two groups of thistles: Carduus and Cirsium. Ashland thistle (Cirsium ciliolatum is endemic to the Klamath-Siskiyou Ecoregion. The leaves and nectar of thistles are very good sources of food for many insects, such as the caterpillars of the Painted Lady butterfly, and some birds, such as Goldfinch, eat the seeds making them an extremely valuable wildlife resource. Thistles for wildlife The goldfinch is the bird most commonly associated with thistles, … WHAT TO LOOK FOR With sublime blue-green foliage, interesting stem and leaf architecture, and flamboyant pink blossoms, our native thistles are every bit as resplendent—and as valuable for wildlife—as countless other native plants. Above: Misty globe thistles (Echinops ritro) by Isidre Blanc via Wikimedia.The gentler cousin to the Scottish thistle, non-invasive globe thistles (Echinops ritro) are ideal for the garden.With deep blue or violet orbs perched on silvery stems that are from 2 to 4 feet tall, globe thistles provide a striking architectural and textural element to the garden. thistle pollen and become food sources for wildlife. The cultural dislike of thistles is not at all a new phenomenon; references to the unpopularity of thistles can be found at least as far back as the Book of Genesis in the Bible. This guide serves to promote the importance of maintaining native thistles in the landscape and should be used to verify whether a thistle is native or exotic before implementing control strategies. Current biological control programs and other land management practices aimed at invasive non-native thistles threaten native thistles, with some at risk of extinction. Learn how native thistles can be propagated and incorporated into conservation plantings, along with management practices to reduce intrusion of invasive thistles. Learn how native thistles can be propagated and incorporated into conservation plantings, along with management practices to reduce intrusion of invasive thistles. Current biological control programs and other land management practices aimed at invasive non-native thistles threaten native thistles, with some at risk of extinction. Western thistle (Cirsium occidentale) Western thistle (Cirsium occidentale) seed Other thistles may be rare, valuable to wildlife and unlikely to cause problems. All photos are those of Klamath-Siskiyou Native Seeds, unless otherwise noted. Plant native thistles for the benefit of hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and birds!