The one herb that has given me unexpected lessons in 'know your element' is Silybum marianum, Wild Artichoke, Milk Thistle.  I should have known better; it's a thistle, for goodness' sake!

It has powerful medicinal properties and that is why we chose to buy it. However, it's benefits are probably not greater than it's nuisance value.  It is a pioneer plant and therefore it grows easily.  Our landlord was watching it grow with a raised eyebrow; with growing concern that our nuisance would start becoming his, too.

It is a nasty plant; full of prickles on the leaves. We kept an eye on the flowers and nipped them off (almost all of them) before the seeds could take flight.  Use gloves when cutting! It has finished flowering now and I don't know if I will grow it again.

When I see milk thistle to buy in a health shop I will look at it with completely different eyes; harvesting it is not for sissies! And growing it (again) is not for me.

Want some seed?