Purple Starthistle

Dear Purple Starthistle,

Even though you are a criminal, I find you irresistible. You are invasive to both California and Hawaii. But you pose so well. You are a beautiful photo subject with your bright purple flower head surrounded by thick, wild, green spikes and jagged green leaves. You stand out against the trail beautifully and you have a lot of personality and presence for a "weed".

I've been studying up on the native and endemic species of Hawaii. Purple starthistle grows on the outskirts of Makawao Forest so I already know it's invasive to Maui. Turns out it's invasive to California too. So may of my photo subjects are invasive. :(