_{Beauty Of A Thorn}

As Is…
Canon PowerShot S3 IS

This well-known thistle is a true nightmare to all the local farmers. At one point I think there was even a law passed saying that people could be fined if it was found growing unchecked on their property.
It is such an invasive plant that it will take over an entire pasture or field, and farm animals won’t/can’t eat it, and it’s a real problem in the hay.
On the other hand, its a blessing for the many butterflies that migrate through this area, and it provides much-needed food and energy for the pretty little creatures that have such long flights ahead of them, or maybe are just at the end of their life spans.
I have also noticed that hummingbirds love it as well. Being a photographer, I do love its exotic blooms and the many photo opportunities it provides.
The sad but true thing is, the only way to control it is to destroy it completely! It’s amazing that something so beautiful and so useful for the nectar lovers, is also such a thorn in the side for the farmers.
Photo taken along a road side in NW Arkansas, USA.