Common Names: Cardus Marianus, Milk Thistle, Marian Thistle Species: Sylibum Marianum Family: Asteraceae (Cynareae) Milk thistle is an annual/biennial plant that grows in dry, rocky soil throughout southern and Western Europe, and in some parts of the United States. The stem grows tall and bears spiny leaves, which are dark green in color and streaked with white along the veins. Milk thistle flowers from June to August, bearing a single spiny, reddish-purple blossom. The fruit of the plant (commonly misidentified as the seed) is used for health purposes. Milk Thistles…