globe-thistle, Echinops sphaerocephalus

Echino is Greek for hedgehog. Echinops means 'looks like a hedgehog'. So, scientific names are Latin? Latin for hedgehog is ericius. Anyway, hedgehog thistle is kind of fun. These thistles are an old time garden plant from Eurasia, escaping to the wild in North America and non-native parts of northwest Europe. The first collection of this species from the 'wilds' of Michigan was in 1896 by Jennie Shaddick and Homer Skeels, from a park in Grand Rapids. Wild? Well, we have to trust Jennie and Homer. Globe-thistle has now been reported from CA, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, NH, NY, OR, PA, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY, MB, ON, QC, and SK. Cultivated, Lenawee Co MI, 7/22/12. Aster Family, Asteraceae.