Yes, there is a powderpuff flower and it is not a thistle. You may see some photos that I just took of this tiny, tiny flower at my online gallery, Spring Flowers in Texas (2),
http://kayjones.smugmug.com/gallery/488058/1/19882608. There are 6 photos posted in that gallery of powderpuffs. You can also see photos of them at the Institute of Systematic Botany,
http://www.plantatlas.usf.edu/images.asp?plantID=2162#. Good luck with your project!