Crested wheatgrass

I love photographing this species of grass, but unfortunately it is a very invasive species. Taken in Bow Valley Provincial Park on 30 September 2010.

'Introduced from Eurasia. Abundant. Each plant has thousands of fibrous roots extending to depths of 4m, totalling in excess of 5km, depriving native plants of moisture and ultimately nutrients; a serious threat to our native biodiversity. Stems, densely tufted, 3-4dm tall. Leaves, blades, 2-4mm wide. Flowers, spike oblong-oval; arranged in flattened comb-like cluster, 4-7cm long, 1.5-2.5cm broad; ......... Habitat: roadsides, disturbed areas." From talkaboutwildlife.ca.

LOL, after posting my images this afternoon, I forced myself to go out and face the -16C (3F) temperature, which was -27C (-16F) with windchill, and drove just to my local park for a very short walk! I had to replace my old winter boots this year, as they were treacherous on ice and in the snow. Need to get used to my new ones, which are supposed to have really good grip, a bit before I go on a longer walk. Plenty of snow everywhere, and I very quickly became tired out. Always a shock to the system, I find, when walking in deep snow - you use so many different muscles you didn't even know you had and it is quite a workout. Maybe 8" or 9" of snow, so far.