Columbine, Winky Double Red & White

I photographed this tiny 1-inch Easter beauty on Resurrection Sunday, 2 days ago. Aquilegia genus.

Hollyhocks in Bloom

Took these yesterday when we were at Peggy's mom's house, which we are still trying to sell.

Beauty in Springfield

Happy Resurrection Sunday. Read my devotional for this great day here, on my TPE blog. Here are some shots from yesterday at nearby Nathaniel Greene Park in Springfield, MO.

Flowers in Close Park

The name of the park is Close Park and it is the park close to our house.

Portland Bloom

Portland is not only the city of roses; it's also the city of flowers. They are everywhere, especially in spring.

I saw these gorgeous blooms and had to take a photo. Does anyone know what they are?

Evangel University Tulips

They had more than 1700 in bloom at one time. Peggy, her mom and I stopped by after church last Sunday.


View slideshow.

The winner ... Choochoonut

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.

Do you know what this is?

Is this a noxious weed or a beautiful flower? I took this last week at my most-frequented evening walking trail. Can you identify it? Who will be the first person who can tell me what this is? (Click on the photo for a larger version.)