Welcome to the wavy leafed thistle, the bunchgrass thistle.Beloved of insects.

Often because it’s the only native flower left.

But also because it provides a solid landing pad. Very kind.

And it’s a great place to hang out and look for beetle love.

Most of the thistles are gone, mistaken for invasive scott thistles, which are more like artichokes gone mad, but when you find one, ah …

… drama is soon to follow.

There’s really nowhere else to go.

Thistle: the earth on a stem, raised up to the sun.

Beetles: sky travellers and star dwellers.

~

Photos in McLaughlin Canyon, Washington and (the last 2) John Day Fossil Beds, Oregon. Note the colour variation!