Photography is an excellent way to learn new things. I took these pictures because the flowers looked great backlit by the evening sun. I thought that this plant was some kind of thistle and would be easy to identify. Not so. I googled thistles and could not find my plant. Recently, I was out again taking more pictures and I saw the same plant but dried. When dried, they are very familiar. After a little more sleuthing, I identified my mystery plant as a common burdock. You know those burs that cling to hair, fur or clothing of passing animals or people. The hooks or teeth can be irritants and very hard to remove. Here’s a little fun fact for you: the bur of burdock was the inspiration for Velcro.
© Copyright Beth Walsh Photography. All rights reserved.
The lighting shows them off to perfection! And yes, you are so right about what you learn – I shall enjoy looking at common burdock with new eyes!
Thanks Patti, its amazing how something so common, or what most people think of as a weed looks so great in the right light.