globe thistle

American  

noun

1. any of various Old World, thistlelike, composite plants of the genus Echinops, having dense heads of tubular blue or white flowers.

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Example Sentences

And the west border, which ranges from deep purple to pale blue, offers a sampling that includes forget-me-nots, sweet peas, globe thistle, and hosta.

From New York Times • Jun. 17, 2011

In some instances buds form on the roots, and may be used for purposes of propagation, as in the Japan quince, the globe thistle, the sea holly, some sea lavenders, Bocconia, Acanthus, &c.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 7 "Horticulture" to "Hudson Bay" by Various