Bloom of Milk Thistle Silyburn Eburneum
Oh, I just couldn't wait to show you this bloom! Earlier this winter I had written an article for Natural Family Today on naturalizing beautiful weeds and natives. The photo I used in the article was when this Milk Thistle was still an infant. Now it is about 4 1/2 ft. tall and nearly 3 ft. wide. I can't believe it!! I knew it was special from the first time I layed eyes on it and have anxiously awaited its crowing glory.
Needless to say, the article didn't get a whole lot of attention. I wasn't surprised since it seems to be a whole new concept for most folks to keep weeds in their gardens. Many people still don't understand that many weeds are so very beneficial for human health as well as for wildlife and diversity. So it is my hope as always, to maybe convince a few more gardeners to perhaps think twice about pulling them up.
Needless to say, the article didn't get a whole lot of attention. I wasn't surprised since it seems to be a whole new concept for most folks to keep weeds in their gardens. Many people still don't understand that many weeds are so very beneficial for human health as well as for wildlife and diversity. So it is my hope as always, to maybe convince a few more gardeners to perhaps think twice about pulling them up.
As I glanced through the photos I had taken this morning, I thought to myself that it was almost as if heaven was shinning its light down upon this precious plant.
If we were to keep pulling up the Milk Thistle, such as this we could loose one of the most valuable resources in nature to heal the human liver. This plant is edible either fresh or steamed. Also the seeds are said to have a tremendous health impact for problems related to the liver caused by chemicals and toxins. Christopher Hobbs had written a very informative article for the Herb Companion, going into great detail on studies done in Germany on Milk Thistle. He also includes dosages and precautions for using it medically.
I hope to capture some more photos of this amazing plant with some activity surrounding it with our local wildlife. This plant offers much food for butterflies and birds, such as the Gold Finch that enjoys eating its seed. It is said that the Gold Finch also enjoys nesting within the plant. I certainly can see how it could protect the young nest with the sword sharp jagged edges of the leaves.
It is my desire to let this Milk Thistle naturalize with in my garden and so we shall keep you updated on its progress. I also want to welcome you to come and visit our Facebook Page and share with us some of your favorite photos of your beautiful weeds.
I hope to capture some more photos of this amazing plant with some activity surrounding it with our local wildlife. This plant offers much food for butterflies and birds, such as the Gold Finch that enjoys eating its seed. It is said that the Gold Finch also enjoys nesting within the plant. I certainly can see how it could protect the young nest with the sword sharp jagged edges of the leaves.
It is my desire to let this Milk Thistle naturalize with in my garden and so we shall keep you updated on its progress. I also want to welcome you to come and visit our Facebook Page and share with us some of your favorite photos of your beautiful weeds.
Happy Gardening!!
Pammy
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