Plants of Alberta 1

We discovered this gorgeous flower in a new natural park. The most common form of Gaillardia does not have the trumpet-like petals, so perhaps this was an escapee from someone's garden? The highest this photo got in Explore was #284 on 28th November 2006.

Yellow Paintbrush is a member of the Orobanchaceae family - thanks, Mark!

Once the petals have fallen, the shape of the remaining parts of the Dandelion is quite attractive.

These add such a welcome splash of bright colour in winter time especially.

Goat's-beard is a noxious weed that overtakes native plants. Unfortunately, it does have quite an attractive yellow flower and a beautiful seedhead when opened, a little like that of the dandelion, but larger.

This flower is also known as Pasque flower and Prairie Anemone. It is the floral emblem of Manitoba and the state flower of South Dakota. We know that spring has arrived when we see these dainty blooms.

The attractive flower of the noxious weed.

A Gaillardia that is a little different, found on the beautiful Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation area just south of Calgary.