Cirsium acaule

A low growing, rather handsome weed that is a British native, found across much of Europe. It enjoys dry grassy places, preferring lime. It makes a fearsome rosette of very long, very dark green spiny leaves with pale green central ribs. The spiny lobes have the appearance of the gathered top of curtains. Little clusters of purple flowers sit at the centre, held on pineapple-shaped bracts. They appear all summer, going into autumn. A good bee plant and could be planted by the brave in wild gardens.