Every August this thistle is one of the only plants to flower in most of Spain’s arid Mediterranean habitats, giving it a virtual monopoly on the local bees and other pollinators.

At her wedding to Jack Brooksbank on Oct. 11 at Windsor Castle's St. George's Chapel, the royal carried a crisp white bouquet with blue thistle, which contrasted the autumnal flowers that ...

England has a rose, Wales a daffodil, Ireland a shamrock and Scotland the purple, prickly but proud thistle which has been our national emblem for centuries, here’s why.