I have heard this plant described as a noxious weed, and I have seen websites where it was accepted as almost a native plant, probably because it has so successfully naturalized. For years I have pulled out this plant, but now I find it growing in the woods around our farm, and I realize it is futile.

In June I came upon the flower and even though I still disliked it at that time, I couldn’t help but be struck by its beauty. So I had to photograph it.

This week I came upon its seed form, a shining ball of wind-ready seeds, looking like a giant dandelion seed head. In the strong sunlight, each wispy feather gleamed bronze. It was breathtaking, almost surreal in its shimmering beauty.

I will try not to dislike this plant, since it is here to stay. The seed ball in sunlight goes a long way toward making me actually like it.