Carduus nutans, Musk thistle's tender young plants(fresh from dormancy in the spring) are edible from the center. They don't look it, but you can eat them. The spines are more soft than they look. Bitter is often an acquired taste, but is at the heart of foraging wild plants. Especially leafy greens. And will cleanse your liver, digestive system, act as a general tonic for the body, and a source of nutrition. And raw fresh plants are full of life force.