On Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:53:12 -0500, "Jean B." > wrote:

>brooklyn1 wrote:
>> Why... thistle roots go very deep so they improve soil, most farmers
>> encourage thistles in hedgerows. Thistles also prevent soil erosion
>> on slopes and stream banks. Most thistle contains no edible parts,
>> not even crtiters eat them, but in flower they are gorgeous. There
>> are many type of thistle but cardoon is about the most invasive, I'd
>> not attempt cultivating any unless you really know what what you're
>> doing.
>
>Oh, here at the old house, I don't need to cultivate them. I have
>plenty, probably from feeding finches! I just don't like to
>tangle with them as I walk about.

Well, you'll either learn to get along with thistle (and other thorny
flora) or regret the lack of wildlife. Thorny plants harber a great
deal of small fauna especially song birds... the same way thistle
repels you it also repels other preditors. I never destroy the
thistle patches, I just don't permit it to invade the realms of other
flora, like my foundation shrubery, flower beds, and vegetable
garden... I leave the native plants exist.