Mystery solved ... fast.
Choochoonut solved the mystery very quickly. See his post under the pic below. He correctly identified it as a thistle, though he was not quite correct in calling it a common thistle (also known as bull thistle). It is a bigger version called the musk thistle, or nodding thistle because it grows so tall and nods. But since Chooch is a west coaster, he probably hasn't seen this more prevalent Midwest variety. So I'm counting this as a correct answer!
The answer to the other question: It's a weed, a pernicious introduction from Europe that farmers and ranchers try to exterminate. Still, even though it's a weed, I think it is beautiful ... another indicator of the beauty of God's creation.
