Scotch thistle is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is also known as Onopordum acanthium, and sometimes called cotton thistle, bull thistle, or wooly thistle. It is a biennial plant that grows up to 4 meters tall and has long spiny leaves. In some regions, it is considered an invasive species and can cause harm to local flora and fauna. The plant is known for its beautiful purple-pink flowers that bloom in summer. Other synonyms for Scotch thistle include Scottish cotton thistle, spear thistle, horse thistle, and Donkey thistle. Despite being a problematic plant in some areas, it is appreciated for its ornamental value and cultural significance in others.