Because I spend much time out in nature, it has become somewhat unusual for me to come across a wildflower that I have never seen before. If I do, it is usually a very inconspicuous plant hidden among more noticeable species.
Today was an exception.
I came across a gorgeous, 6 foot high plant covered with purple blossoms.
A glance at a field guide tells me that is New York Ironweed.
We are at the northern limit for ironweed which is found in moist meadows.
The leaves are lance-shaped and finely toothed.
Ironweed received its common name from its ironlike qualities: tough stems, tenacious growing habit, and flowers that give way to seed clusters the color of rust.
Some botany by the East Don:
Some birds:
Views from near the East Don River north of Finch Ave.
NATURE POETRY
High noon in August! over all the land
The very air is palpitant with heat;
While stretching far, the fields of ripening wheat
Unrippled lie as plains of yellow sand! – Henry Sylvester Cornwell (1831–86)
Miles Hearn