This is what I found today, looks like thistle. I have to find the name and look it up for you. It reminded me of Scotland and a Brit stopped cold by it at the grocery and we both marveled at it. Yes, it’s a weed and I spent $4 for it to remind us of our days in Scotland.
This is what we do when there is no green grass, snow is still melting and the only entertainment is viewing ducks, geese and cranes. Cheers, Dee
Cooking with Dee 
See the two brown blobs on the right – they may be the cranes. Dee
The plant is Purple Majesty, a variety of pearl millet.
Please correct my earlier post. The labels on the flower buckets were changed. It is a blue thistle. Dee
We found a purple thistle in the brush the other day and I added it to an informal flower arrangement but not without puncturing my finger. Ouch! They are beautiful and grow wild here, we’re finding out.
Hi Dee
WordPress generated your blog from the word ‘Spring’ so I clicked out of interest. Then clicked on this post to follow the word Scotland, as I live in Scotland. The plant above looks very much like a plant we call Sea Holly, Eryngium planum. There are several different varieties – they are such a beautiful colour. Sadly I have not been able to grow any in my garden – it’s probably too exposed and not enough heat.
Best wishes
Diana
Hi Diana,
Sea Holly sounds like a great name. We lived in Glasgow for a few months, several years ago and love the tale of the thistle. We’re up at 6,400 feet above sea level, very arid, and these grow wild with no water or anything so you might try again. Say hello to Scotland for us! Dee