Confused by Thistles

[jennyb]

I have recently identifed a Spear Thistle and a Marsh Thistle (See first 2 photos below - are the IDs correct?). I have now found another thistle which I tend to think maybe another Spear Thistle but it doesn't look the same as the first. It is about 3 feet high and has only one flowerhead at the top of each branch. The flowers are not out yet. The stems are winged and a bit spiny. See the last 3 photos below.

Any suggestions?

Jenny

[Tiggrx]

Your first two plants are both Marsh Thistles and the last three pictures are Spear Thistle

[jennyb]

Originally Posted by Tiggrx

Your first two plants are both Marsh Thistles and the last three pictures are Spear Thistle

Thanks for this, but how can you tell?

BTW, the first picture was not taken in a damp area.

Jenny