I agree with both of you. We should avoid knee-jerk reactions that consider anything at a corner or on the edge of a picture as a "distraction." Instead, we should consider such things on a case by case basis. And in this case, the tiny mound of weed or grass that shows in the lower left hand corner provides three important functions. As Carol suggests, it helps anchor the image. As you note, its shape mirrors, in miniature, the humps of the mountains. And it also tells us that we are in shallow waters.
I just love the soft warm colors of the sunup...changing from the blue tones to oranges here. Everything is peaceful, quiet, fresh. As for the plant in the lower left corner, I think it helps anchor the picture.
