Thistle Honey
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Thistle is a multi-faceted plant. A thorny plant with a beautiful flower, it is the national symbol of Scotland. In Christianity, holy thistle represents the suffering of Christ. In some cultures, Thistle represents strength, protection, hex-breaking, and healing. In Maryland, Thistle is considered a noxious weed. Landowners can be fined if they do not keep this plant under control. Yet, it grows uncontrolled in the Western part of the state. Birds eat the thistle seed and pluck down from the thistle flower for their nests, butterflies lay eggs on the foliage, and pollinators of all sorts enjoy the nectar.
Local beekeepers place their hives near these hives in the Fall, capitalizing on acres and acres of wild thistle blossoms. Thistle Honey is a rich honey, reminiscent of pancake syrup. |