Silybum marianum has other
common names include
cardus marianus,
milk thistle,
blessed milkthistle,
Marian thistle,
Mary thistle,
Saint Mary's thistle,
Mediterranean milk thistle,
variegated thistle and
Scotch thistle. This species is an
annual or
biennial plant of the
Asteraceae family. This fairly typical
thistle has red to purple flowers and shiny pale green leaves with white veins. Originally a native of Southern Europe through to Asia, it is now found throughout the world.