Elk Thistle – Cirsium scariosum – is almost as impressive as the two other large plants above. The first year is a flat rosette of leaves which store energy into the tap root before the winter. The second year a 1-3’ thick stalk arises with elegant elongate leaves. They have more cobwebby hairs than spines. The large flower heads are nested in the top. Elk Thistle is a native thistle, which supports a diversity of insects and should be treated with respect.