This was brought in to our Master Gardener Clinic in southwestern Washington state. It was found growing in a garden bed. It resembles star thistle (Centaurea solstitialis), but some of the attributes don't match. The leaves are stiff and shiny, and very deep green, not grayish-green. So far the plant is about 2.5 - 3 feet tall. As the flower ages, it turns from yellow to orange to orange-red. Is it star-thistle?
Thanks--sure looked like a centaurea to me, so I'm glad I asked! Love learning new stuff! And it makes sense--she has a bird feeder filled with a "premium" seed mix by the garden. Thanks again for helping to ID this plant.
