Hello, This plant looks like a thistle to me but maybe not. Found on sandy/shale trail in northern VA. Very dry soil. Leaves are very soft, glossy, almost felt “succulent”. These plants are the only ones I saw on trail so a guess was something like rock cress (very common on this trail) or a similar plant. Thanks for any input!
Thank you! I think that is it! In the areas of Virginia and North Carolina with which I am familiar, this plant is not everywhere. VA plant atlas says that it was infrequent in the past but recently has become and is becoming more common in the rural areas. This trail in particular has a wealth of uncommon species. I saw only 2 of these (S. vulgaris) in one location. Instinct is telling me to pull them because it will spread fast especially if it is an annual. There are not too many trails that are as clean as this one as far as invasives or introduced plants are concerned. Thanks again for your help! Any idea as to what my other unknowns might be? Even a guess at which genus would help!
