Thistle growing in a pasture in coastal SC. Sandy soil, most plants growing in full sun. Photographed on May 29. Most plants not yet blooming. Largest plants are over 6 feet tall and biggest leaves are ~14 inches long.
Ann,
my ‘best guess’ on this one is Cirsium nuttallii, Nuttall’s thistle. It can be white or pink and can get to about 9 feet tall. It is typically on the coastal plain in South Carolina.
Sincerely,
Steve Hill, Ph.D., Botanist, SCNPS