Beautiful, but what is it?

I've got an interesting volunteer growing in my yard. Okay, most people would call this a weed -- I would. I was in fact about to dig it out the other day, but realized...


...this is quite beautiful! Look at the silver edges along each leaf margin. Is this normal?


***


I did a little bit of research using the interactive University of Missouri weed ID guide. (Like this plant, that guide is quite nice!)



I'm not certain, but this may be a Musk Thistle, Carduus nutans.



The silver leaf edges don't seem to be mentioned though, so I'm not certain. Why wouldn't they mention the silver edges?


Any ideas what this is?

I may have to wait until it flowers to find out -- and I will let it flower!

(If you know or have an educated guess, please let me know.)

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Vesna Maric  – (May 11, 2013 at 11:30 AM)  

I'd say you are right about the name of the species. Google the name and look for the images, you will see the silver edges. beautiful, bold plant.

Anonymous –   – (May 11, 2013 at 1:03 PM)  

I think this may be some sort of thistle, beautiful but invasive !

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