It's a seedpod from an invasive species called Scotch Broom, which has a tendency to take over any untended field in Washington that is not already taken over by blackberry bushes. The plant, while often lovely to look at, is invasive, toxic, and a general nuisance.
This little seedpod is newly formed, but had I left it in the field, it would have the potential to lay dormant for 30-80 years until germination, which could be quick and effective with just the slightest disturbance in the topsoil. Even forest fire doesn't usually destroy the pods, though collecting and directly burning the plants and their seeds is the only real way to get rid of them.
Why is it that the toxic things in our life often have the most staying power? It's so easy to let them hang out on the margins, waiting for the slightest disturbance to wake up, germinate, and grow.
My mom spent a lot of time working with Alzheimers and dementia patients. While some of their behaviors couldn't be explained, many times those latent seeds are exactly what show up in their interactions with people and the world. We have often discussed what that means for us at this moment. I want to plant strength, grace, and love so deep in my soul that their resilience is what defines me, even when I can no longer define myself.
Beauty can be resilient, too.
This reminds me of serotiny, where the seeds from certain pine cones burst out only after a forest fire, renewing the landscape with majestic pines that support the next generation.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete