Will add DSLR photos later. Taking pretty pictures of these flowers was my primary goal in going to Cochran Shoals today. I did not realize they were right by the entrance, and no quest/adventure was needed to find them. I took more photos at the end of the hike in brighter light. I probably won't do a separate observation for those but might just add some photos here.
Finally found this species in peak bloom! The large, unusually shaped flowers are unique among all other milkweeds in NC (as far as I know).
Uploading a close-up of the original image brought up a few more suggestions, but I think this is still closest to a Bristle Thistle.
Tall Timbers Research Station, Tallahassee, Leon County, FL
Lake Talquin State Forest (Lines Trails Tract), Wetumpka, Gadsden County, FL