This is probably the thistle which inspired the Scottish emblem but in England it's another illegal weed which grows almost anywhere. Touch of historical irony there - the English making the Scottish emblem an illegal growth. It is a great plant for insects though and after it has flowered it isn't uncommon to see goldfinches eating the seed.
Near Coed Cilygroeslwyd, North Wales, 12th July 2004
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Added on 14th October 2004, amended 23rd January 2005.