Silybum marianum (Blessed Mary's Thistle)

Stunning plant...not familiar with...is it native Sid?

looks like a baby croc,not that ive ever seen one.amazing plant!

I thouht it looked like reptile skin too. Fascinating.

Never come across one of these ,looks interesting...

Bonkers - no it's not native - from the Americas I think, but not sure. It's very invasive if allowed to drop its seeds - which I wont be!! There will be seed next year, if anyone's interested.

Yes please Sid...thanks ! Just finished collecting white Clementine seed from aquilegias...think your name down for some ?

Ooo - yes, it sure is! ;-D

Hope they come true Sid,,,but will be fun waiting to see.If you pm your address (think we already have it "safe " somewhere...that memory again ! )..will send on this week !

My Dad says the straight green variety is a curse....lol, as it spreads like wildfire in his cow pasture, but I have to admit, I just love this variegated one, and have secretly grown it in my garden without telling my Dad...sshhh , it will be our little secret, okay ? !...;-)

Yes, I understand this is very invasive if allowed to drop it's seeds. The seed I grew this one from was 10 years old, which just goes to show how long it could stay in the ground, plus it's very, very spiney, so you wouldn't want to have to pull it out either! It is beautiful tho......very special looking! I won't tell your dad if you don't tell my dad about the stinging nettles I've been cultivating for the butterflys!!

LOL...., you've got a deal...;-)