Plants of Alberta 1

I was SO happy to see some Crownvetch today on a walk that included the Tom Campbell Hill and a pathway that runs alongside the Calgary Zoo. A friend had found Crownvetch recently and posted a beautiful photo of it - and I knew, then, that I really wanted to see this attractive flower. I suspect that I would have walked straight past it if I had been on my own, as it reminds me of a very open Clover flower. Both belong to the Pea Family, Fabaceae.

Can't remember if this is Common Flax or Wild Blue Flax. I think it is the introduced kind. I know I should write down every detail as I am walking, but somehow it doesn't always happen that way. Doug, perhaps you would point me in the right ID direction - thanks!

Tufted vetch (Viccia cracca) is a perennial Eurasian plant that was introduced into North America over 140 years ago. Flowers bluish-purple, pea-like, about 12mm (1/2in.) long, often 30 or more crowded together on one side of a long bare stalk. This photo shows just one of these many tiny flowers, distinguishable by its resemblance to a hummingbird! Vicia is the ancient Latin name for Vetch. Also known as Bird Vetch and Cow Vetch.