Sunrise 6:57: Big weed

The Dawn Joggers, like many coastal Californians, are surrounded by eucalyptus, the now controversial import from Australia. According to the the National Park Service, Blue gum eucalyptus was first cultivated in California in 1853 as an ornamental plant. Later that century it was commercialized for timber and fuel, a boom that lasted into the 1930s when it lost popularlity. Many would like eucalyptus eradicated from the state.
It produces a chemical that leaches into the soil and inhibits the growth of indigenous California plant species. Friend or foe, it can show off it artistic side when struck by the early morning sun.