Thistle with no thistles ??

[Sassywheels]

Hi there
Can anyone tell me the name of a plant long skinny stem (green guess it would be very smooth) Multi headed with thistle like flowers but brighter and softer looking still with the pineapplely looking bit underneath. The leaves are soft and have no spikes. I have no idea what they are, they are good to eat according to the horse

[Deer Stalker]

Sounds like Knapweeds to me.

[Sassywheels]

Thank you
I shall go look I just saw a tab at the top here so I shall search and see if it is

[eeyore]

or a teasel maybe

[Sassywheels]

Thanks Deer Stalker you are a star. I just googles knapweed and it is, such a pretty thistle with no thistles I may have to import it into my garden. have to hope horsey doesn't munch it all before it goes to seed

[aeshna5]

Knapweeds are also good nectar plants (as are thistles) for many insects + the Goldfinches will appreciate the seeds.

[Deer Stalker]

People also used to treat bruises, scabs & wounds with them. So a very usefull plant

[Sassywheels]

Now that makes a lot of sense, horsey has been chewing on old brambles and has the odd sore on her mouth could be thats why she is so keen to munch the Knapweed. Do you happen to know if it was made into a cream or just mushed up?

[Deer Stalker]

Probably mashed up or boiled with lard to make a salve. Although, as far as I know, its not scientifically proven, it makes sense that animals would know certain plants that are medicinal in nature, same as we do. Mind you, just because people used to use Knapweed for these ailments don't mean it actually works.

[Sassywheels]

But hey it would be fun to give it a try, my friend only heard that feverfew cured headaches but she still made a feverfew sandwich and ate it, she said it worked, my it did maybe it didn't, maybe it was all in her head