I quite like thistles. I like the symmetry and aesthetics of the blooms, as well as the nice complementary color scheme. I’m not so found of walking through prickly vegetation or wrenching the thorny stems and leaves from the lawn, but on the edge of a meadow with the forest background, they are quite lovely. I particularly like the curly leafed thistle because the foliage is slightly silvery. The thistle pictured, though, is probably a Texas thistle. Also still pleasing and since it is growing out on the edge away from walk ways, it can continue it’s lovely prickly existence. Here is an interesting post about native and invasive thistles in Texas.