Fireweed is named because it is the first plant of substantial size that grows in fire damaged ground. Here we see part of the reason why that is -- the plant produces many seeds in its central stalk. When the seeds are ready, the stalk's outer cover splits four ways exposing the seeds to the wind. The seeds have many long silky threads that effectively disperses them over large areas.
The camera recorded the following information in the original image file:
Nikon D2X
2007/08/31 15:10:07
Color
Data Format: Compressed RAW (12-bit)
Image Size: Large (3872 x 2592)
Lens: VR 105mm F/2.8 G
Focal Length: 105mm
Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority
Metering Mode: Matrix
1/500 sec - F/11
Exposure Comp.: -0.7 EV
Flash Sync Mode: Not Attached
Sensitivity: ISO 200
Color Mode: Mode I (Adobe RGB)
Hue Adjustment: 0
Gerald & Irmgard Carter
White Balance: Auto
AF Mode: AF-S
Tone Comp: Auto
Saturation: Auto
Sharpening: Medium Low
Long Exposure NR: Off
High ISO NR: Off