Picture details - brass frame - 8 1/4 x 10 1/2 inches; ivory outer mat 1 1/2 in.; and a green/blue inner mat. It has been painted on a superior rag paper.
Although thistles are not very popular with most people, there is a european country, which even uses the thistle as a national symbol .... I speak of Scotland.
Closer to home .... the Canadian coat of arms, that of the Province of Nova Scotia ..... is enveloped by the thistle, shamrock, fleur-de-lys and rose.