Nodding thistle (Carduus nutans): goldfinches love it but a lot of people dislike this spiny thing. It’s spiky, covered with sharp spines and thorns. Ouch! And it's not even native to North America.
But if you look past its sharp defenses, it’s just a beautiful plant. The nascent flowers, as they begin to open produce the most exquisite magenta to green pattern. Patterns within patterns. Fractals.
What’s not to admire? Just don’t try to pick it.
– Photo taken at Ijams Nature Center
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Carduus nutans is just coming into flower on Culver Down here in Sandown, IoW. It's a beauty - definitely gets my nutans of approval!
ReplyDeleteRob
Hello Rambling. Well, we have found something else in common. I hope all is well there on Culver Down in Sandown, IoW.
ReplyDeleteCurrently, it is raining here and everything is nice and green.