Common Teasel

Awesome pic w/ the bugs!!! I've also read that there is a bit of evidence to suggest that they're carnivorous.

Thanks for the info! I recall admiring how tall they could get as I walked in my childhood. I never knew that about their history though, thanks.

This is one of those plants I really wish wasn't an exotic invasive- it's such a cool plant. European settlers once used them to "tease" out the tangles in wool before spinning, hence the name "teasel". I myself was in the habit of collecting the spiny seed heads in the winter, as they make really fun children's craft items. (Perfect porcupines or hedgehogs). I saw very creative Christmas decorations made from them at the famous Brandywine River Museum. Check it out! http://activerain.com/blogsview/4284175/...