Onopordon acanthium is also known as the Scotch thistle, Scottish thistle, or common cotton thistle. It belongs to the family Asteraceae and is a biennial plant that is native to Europe and Asia. Other synonyms for Onopordon acanthium include woolly thistle, musk thistle, nubuck thistle, and giant cotton thistle. The plant can grow up to 2 meters tall and produces large purple flowers that bloom in the summer. Although it is considered an invasive species in some areas, Onopordon acanthium has been used for various medicinal and culinary purposes. Its dried leaves can be brewed into tea and used as a diuretic or to treat digestive issues.