What does it say about my personality that I love thorns? Thorns, spines, prickles, bumps, sharp-pointed leaves, and even little velcro-hairs — I am utterly fascinated by them all.
My husband might say that I’ve been a loving thorn in his side for some 15 years now (well, he wouldn’t say that to my face). My parents and sisters might say that I’ve been a thorn for much longer than that, given that I’m in my fourth decade now! My kids probably consider me to be a big thorn in their plans to conquer the world one video game at a time.
But truth is, thorns and other sharp things have a much greater purpose than just to snag your clothing, irritate you, and make you bleed. We’re back to talking about plants, mind you.
In terms of botany, they are a supreme defense.
And in terms of wildlife value, they provide tremendous protection. Birds nest safely in their midst.
The leaves of the Agarita bush might be sharp, but the plant is called the Babysitter Bush for a reason. Deer and other animals hide their young under the bush while they forage for food.
Lizards are well protected from predators in briar patches and brambles.
See? Good stuff, those thorns.
I can’t say that I love all thorns. I’ve been stabbed by some that made me cry. We removed a small tree from against our house when we first started gardening, because the 2-inch long spines on that tree were going to put an eye out (it spreads by roots, it turns out — years later we are still trying to keep that tree from coming back).
And Greenbrier is one frustrating vine. It has all sorts of prickles, including ones on its leaves, and it is the very example of a plant version of a Hydra — cut off its head and it will grow two more.
But no matter. I still love thorns and the like. And if I can be a bit of a thorn myself, I’m okay with that. I tell my kids that it’s a mother’s job to be a protective thorn — keeping her kids safe and guiding them along the pathways of life (and keeping them in line!).
Just my thorny opinion, as it were.
What a clever post! You’re right, moms have to be a little thorny but they’ll thank us later!
Beautiful.
Wow, you have given me a new outlook on thorns!! Very clever post indeed!
I’m not a big fan of thorns like you are. I mean, I love my roses, but every time I get near them I look like I have been through a war! Have you ever seen a honey locust tree? You’d love them! Go ahead, google image it!