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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