This amazing specimen was spotted outside a photography studio we use at work.  Although our work was complete for the day, I knew I’d spend at least a half hour taking photos.  It was too interesting not to photograph.  It looks like a Texas-sized dandelion!

I really wanted to show scale—and unfortunately, I couldn’t find any normal sized dandelions among the weeds.  So I took the ‘giant dandelion’ inside the studio and asked our photographer, Steve Woods to take a photo with me in the background.

I carried my treasure back to the office and took photos by a rose bush.

Then I took my new favorite treasure home and spent the evening taking more photos… because I just couldn’t stop!

I used a blue fabric background for the photo below.

I did a search and this isn’t a dandelion—it has a more interesting name… it’s a Salsify.  According to some websites, the root can be eaten— though I’m not signing up for that experience!  I may plant some of the seeds in a pot to see what happens.

Taking photos of this plant was similar to looking through a kaleidoscope as I zoomed in and out.  If you see this weed in your travels, spend a moment taking photos.  It will be worth your time.

Camera:  Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Lens:  My beloved 100 mm macro lens (Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L macro IS)
Date:  April 2015
Notes:  Take the time to photograph captivating objects.