Silver Thistle

Silver Thistle (Carlina acaulis) is a biennial plant from the Asteraceae family and it is native to Europe. It grows in mountainous areas up to 2800 meters. It is quite common in the Low Beskid. It can also be found in the Tatras and the Sudetan Mountains. The leaves form a basal rosette in the middle of which the flower develops. Flowers are only open while the sun shines. The heads close in wet weather. Silver Thistle is a protected species in Poland. It blooms from July to September. This photo was taken on top of Lysa Gory (641 m) near the red trail. The Low Beskid - August 17, 2007.