Danny D. said:

This site says it has a taproot and that "cut flowerheads can still develop
viable seed", but I would have no idea how:
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/ipc/weedinfo/cirsium.htm

The part you cut off is still alive, for a while. The last bit of energy and
moisture in the cutting is given over to finishing the development of any
viable seeds.

It's not only thistles that are capable of this. I suspect that most
of the plants that have this ability act like weeds in other ways, too.

--
Pat in Plymouth MI

"Yes, swooping is bad."

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