15_the_circle | the spread of Cirsium

[OT from cottage renovations]

for starters, I'm going out on a taxonomic limb to label these thistles, however tentatively, as C. arvense or Canada thistle.

the flowers of 1½ weeks ago are now launching seeds into the wind for dispersal; the goldfinches have also been feeding on them which is certain to further that processes.

it's a noxious weed and an invasive species, certified as such by our state and federal governments. nonetheless it's hard to hold the grudge so thoroughly when one of the seeds comes drifting by on a light breeze.

(click through these thumbnails for higher resolution images)

upper field

Cirsium arvense

websnagged

this one didn't get very far.