Meet the Holy Thistle – Notobasis syriaca

The Holy Thistle – Notobasis syriaca

This striking thistle is common across Israel’s Mediterranean regions, from the coastal plain to the Jezreel Valley, Judean Foothills & Galilee. It thrives in open fields, roadsides & disturbed ground.

It is also native across the eastern Mediterranean & Middle East, from Israel & Syria to Cyprus & Turkey.

Blooming season: April–July

Its spiny leaves deter most grazers, but goats & camels will feed on it. Bees & other pollinators love its nectar-rich flowers.

Young leaves (before they harden with spines) can be eaten in salads or cooked, though handling requires care.

#imagineisraeltours #simonostertourguideisrael

#wildflowersofisrael #HolyThistle #notobasissyriaca #israelnature #mediterraneanflora #ediblewildplants #israeltourism #visitisrael #touringisrael #tourguideisrael #floraandfauna

At Imagine Israel Tours we love to notice not just the big moments of history, but also the small details of nature that make Israel unique.

I’m a licensed tour guide with experience driving & guiding all over Israel in a comfortable 7-seater vehicle & I’m an accredited tour guide for Israel’s National Parks.

I’ve also been certified as the Amazon Tour Guide for online virtual tours in the North of Israel - as well as being a guide for cruise ship passengers coming into Haifa & Ashdod.

My price includes collection from and return to your location, snacks, water & a unique souvenir of your tour.

My TripAdvisor reviews https://shorturl.at/aIR47

Please don't hesitate to be in touch imagineisrael8@gmail.com, or by phone/WhatsApp +972 54 2390412 if I can help plan your visit