Bursting forth

 

A botanical firework for the Fourth of July — a native Brownie Thistle (Cirsium quercetorum) from the coastal prairie.  Photographed on Bodega Head on 10 May 2020.

From a distance, Brownie Thistles might not stand out.  They're low to the ground and don't look that colorful, but when you get close, they're pretty spectacular:

 

And even closer!

 

P.S.  This post goes out to Michelle, who I'll always think of when getting up close and personal with Brownie Thistles, and who taught me the value and beauty of a bee's-eye-view of flowers.  :)