Plants of Alberta 2

Crownvetch is not a true vetch, although it resembles common and hairy vetch. Crownvetch spreads from rhizomes and will form a dense cover. It has been used for soil stabilization and as an ornamental for many years. Coronilla means "little crown", and varia refers to variations in flower color as well as growth habits.

A closer photo of a Gumweed flower bud, showing the white, sticky sap that this plant produces. I have read that the sticky flower heads can be used as a substitute for chewing gum.

This flower, also known as Long-leaf Veronica, is rare in the wild here. Introduced from Europe. Saw this particular clump of flowers at Votier's Flats, Fish Creek Park, in an area that used to have an old homestead.

This was seen at Tom Campbell Hill, close to the Calgary Zoo. Introduced from Eurasia, it is an abundant, bushy weed that was introduced as an ornamental for its autumn foliage. The tiny red shapes are not petals, but stamens.

Found this plant growing wild by a small area of wetland in Bebo Grove, Fish Creek Park, yesterday afternoon. It is an introduced plant, from Eurasia. It's status in Calgary is rare; casual escape from cultivation. "Achillea ptarmica (Sneezewort, Sneezeweed, Bastard Pellitory, European Pellitory, Fair-maid-of-France, Goose Tongue, Sneezewort Yarrow, Wild Pellitory, White Tansy) is a species in the genus Achillea. It has loose clusters of white, button-like flowers that bloom from June to August. Its dark green leaves have finely-toothed margins. This is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that prefers full sun and moist but well-drained soil. The name ptarmica comes from the Greek word ptairo (=sneeze) and means 'causes sneezing'. The plant is poisonous to cattle, sheep, and horses. Symptoms are generally slow to develop, and include fever, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, weight loss, drooling, spasms and loss of muscular control, and convulsions." From Wikipedia website.

Water Smartweed grows in shallow water in ponds and lakes and is aquatic or semi-aquatic. This attractive flower belongs to the Buckwheat family. Found this particular plant in Glennfield, Fish Creek Park.

This Oak leaf caught my attention this morning, on a walk with a friend around MacKenzie Lake. When we were looking at the leaves, we also saw the pink, hairy "thing" that I have posted after the Fireworks 3 photo.

Also known as Common Toadflax, this plant was introduced from Europe as a garden plant. It is now an aggressive weed.

Found this in Shaw's Meadow, Fish Creek Park. The plant was introduced from Europe. The plant's species name "vulgare" (meaning "common"), refers to this plant's abundance.