I spent time sorting out whether this was the rare native Franciscan Thistle or the invasive Bull Thistle. I'm pretty sure the "webby" fibers around the globe distinguish this as a Franciscan.
close up image of Cirsium discolor PASTURE THISTLE at the James Woodworth Prairie Preserve - a singe flower at full bloomThis species is featured in the soon-to-be-published book, Abundant Splendor: Wildflowers of the Prairie. Contact frank@black-sweater-art.com for more information.