Pitcher's Thistle

Pitcher's Thistle  grows on the open sand dunes and low open beach ridges of the Great Lakes’ shores. It is most often found in near-shore plant communities but it can grow in all nonforested areas of a dune system. This photo was taken on Beaver Island Michigan. Located 32 miles offshore of Charlevoix, it is the largest island in Lake Michigan. Travel to Beaver Island is by airplane, boat and ferry service.