I have no idea what this flower is, but it really is spectacular. It has one very long stem, at least one meter above the leaves at ground level. the leaves have a simular size,shape and texture to tulip leaves. The flowers you can see fan out in the shape of a dandilion ball. Each individual flower, as you see them here have six little petals spread like stars.
This lovely plant appeared in my garden this year. We have never seen it before. It was not planted by us so I assume it was wind-borne.
I would be grateful if someone could identify it and give me a reference.
OK... Update: Apparently this is an Allium species, a member of the onion family. It is a totally interesting plant. I have found an illuminating reference for it here: http://findmeacure.com/page/90/
Enjoy!
Thanks to @hoosierhokie (Becca Hayes) for identifying this for me.
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I love allium and this is a great pic! I also had no idea what this flower was when we first moved into our home. When I saw how gigantic the leaves were when it first started growing I though it was a prehistoric plant! Then I found out it was an allium and now can't wait until our plant blooms each year. I love them. :)
Beautiful capture, as always.