Carline Thistle

Carline Thistle Carlina vulgaris is flowering all over the grassy slopes of Ivinghoe Beacon at this time of year. It's a common plant of short lime-rich grassland flowering well into September and the dead plants, which look much the same as when they are in flower often remain standing throughout the winter. Chalkhill Blues are very fond of them and often settle and nectar on the photogenic flower heads. The pictures below were taken a couple of years ago on Wendover Downs.

Carline Thistle Carlina vulgaris