The common thistle (Cirsium vulgare), also called the spear or bull thistle, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to much of the Mediterranean, including most of Europe, western Asia, and the Atlas Mountains of northwestern Africa, but has also been introduced as a decorative plant around the world. The common thistle is considered one of the best plants for pollinators in terms of nectar production, and the stem and taproot are also edible when steamed or boiled, though only palatable before it flowers.
