The Scottish Thistle: National Emblem of Scotland

In 1470 King James III first issued silver coins bearing the emblem of the thistle. It is not known for sure as to how the thistle became Scotland's national emblem. However, there was a battle in a place named Largs in Scotland, and it is said that an army came from Norway to battle with the Scots. The Norsemen from the Norwegian army took off their footwear in order to approach the Scots quietly. At this point they charged forward stepping on the thorny thistles thus alerting the Scottish army who were sleeping in the field of their approach. From this point on it is believed that the thistle became the emblem of the country.

Although it is a weed, and grows wildly across the moors, road edges, and woodland areas of the country it is still a very attractive plant. The whole plant including the stem and leaves are covered in spikes. The bud itself is usually a light lilac or purple color. In the second year of growth the plant grows to 0.5 - 3 meters tall. The plant is also known as the Cotton Thistle due to the cottony type hairs that grow on the stems. It grows only from seeds which germinate usually in the fall time, but can germinate all year round too. This is a hardy plant with hardy seeds that can remain viable for growth buried in soil for 7 to possibly 20 years. Parts of the plants were eaten in the past. It is said that the plant has been used in the treatment of some types of cancer, and also ulcers. The Scottish thistle is used in a whole host of different ways in the symbolization on Scotland. There are various pieces of jewelry made into the shape of thistles, dried thistles, or ornamental flowers are used for button holes at traditional Scottish weddings. The thistle is an emblem and part of Scottish culture as much as the kilt, haggis, Scotch whiskey, and the bagpipes are today, and have been for centuries.

The Thistle was introduced to Australia and North America in the 19th century. It is now a major weed problem for these areas. When in abundance the plant makes for a nasty barrier for humans and animals alike. It causes havoc with the feeding of livestock too when it grows uncontrollably in fields and pastures. These are difficult plants/weeds to get rid of as they can germinate all year round. It is best to cut the plant at the bottom making sure there are no leaves left. If any part of the root remains the plant will re-grow. It is a relentless and strong plant making it also a strong symbolic image for the country of Scotland.