Echo of the Highlands

Another of my favorite "weeds" - the purple thistle - standing tall against a tree along the edge of my neighbor's yard,

The stalwart "Cotton Thistle", which is a national symbol of Scotland, is a biennial plant - meaning it takes two years to complete its life cycle. During its second year it can grow up to eight feet in height, and over four feet in width.
The Scottish thistle is the oldest recorded national flower, taking its place in the country's symbolism when written history began in the 13th century. 
There are several legends surrounding the thistle. One of the best known weaves a tale of how it became the national emblem of Scotland:

In the mid 13th century during a surprise invasion by the soldiers of the Norse king, Haakon, at Largs (one of western Scotland's coastal towns) the story has it that, after coming ashore, this Viking force planned to creep up on the Scottish Clansmen and Highlanders and overcome them while they slept. This amount of stealth required that they go barefoot - which proved to be their undoing.
Unfortunately for these unwary invaders, one of their soldiers bare feet came down hard on a Scottish thistle and his cries of shock and pain were enough to wake the sleeping Scots.
Leaping to their feet, the clansmen charged into battle and the rest, as they say, is history... and yes, the fiery Scots were victorious.
Legend has it that because of the heroic role the plant played in the outcome of the battle, the thistle was immediately chosen as a national emblem.