Why is thistle a symbol of Scotland?

Why is thistle a symbol of Scotland?

But one legend has it a sleeping party of Scots warriors were saved from ambush by an invading Norse army when one of the enemies trod on the spiky plant. His anguished cry roused the slumbering warriors who duly vanquished the invader and adopted the thistle as their national symbol.

Where do thistles grow in Scotland?

Common throughout the highlands, islands and lowlands of Scotland, the prickly purple thistle has been Scotland’s national emblem for centuries. This proud and regal plant, which grows to a height of five feet, has no natural enemies because of the vicious spines that cover and protect it like a porcupine.

Is the thistle the national flower of Scotland?

In Scotland, we have the Thistle as our National Flower. This proud looking plant has become almost like the emblem of Scotland and is spotted everywhere from football team badges, hotel names and many other locations.

How many thistles are there in Scotland?

There are around 20 species of thistle in the UK with the three most common in Scotland being the creeping thistle, marsh thistle and spear thistle but many others do occur including the welted thistle and melancholy thistle.

What’s the national flower of Scotland?

Thistle
Scotland/National flower

Are Scottish Thistles poisonous?

Variegated thistle is poisonous under certain conditions. It can kill cattle and occasionally sheep, especially when hungry animals consume large quantities in the absence of alternative feed, although its menacing spines act as a deterrent.

Is the flower of Scotland anti English?

Writer and singer Pat Kane also backs the work of Robert Burns. He said: ‘I hate “Flower of Scotland” – it’s martial, mournful, aggressive and anti-English. However, the Scottish Rugby Union, which adopted the song a year before it was first sung at football matches, defended ‘Flower of Scotland’.