It is always exciting to come across a plant that I am unfamiliar with. I take photos, study every feature and then rush home to leaf through field guides.
On this day, I found an unknown plant (to me) which turned out to be Rattlesnake-master.
Some Native Americans used its root as an antidote for rattlesnake venom.
Eryngium yuccifolium (the leaves resemble yucca leaves) grows in wet meadows and open borders of marshes and swamps.
Betty Sutherland Trail runs alongside the East Don River just south of Highway 401 and west of Don Mills road.
Betty Sutherland served 13 years as an elected representative of the former North York Council until her retirement from politics in 1985. From 1979 to 1985, Mrs. Sutherland was a member of the former Metropolitan Toronto Council and the the former Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
Some botany:
Other life:
Thanks to Ken Sproule for assistance in insect identification.
NATURE POETRY
Can we learn wisdom watching insects now,
or just the art of quiet observation?
Creatures from the world of leaf and flower
marking weather’s variation. – Vivian Smith (b. 1933)
Miles Hearn
Another wonderful place, with beautiful (and unexpected!) flowers, insects, and (cue drum roll)–one very beautiful bird! Thanks, Miles!
Rattlesnake-master- Excellent Miles – you are a true life-long learner rushing home to consult the guidebooks. You pass this enthusiasm along to your students.