Cow-parsnip (which can grow to 10 feet in height) is found all over Ontario in moist meadows, thickets and forests.

Lately I have been seeing signs warning about touching the plant. Cow-parsnip is not toxic, but the juice can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Here is how it looked this morning in a field by the Upper Bluffs.

Photos from earlier in the season.

Cow-parsnip is a close relative of the much more deadly Giant Hogweed.

MYSTERY PLANT

I will identify it at the end of the post.

Views of the Upper Bluffs.

Some botany

MYSTERY PLANT

The striking fruit bodies of Staghorn Sumac.

NATURE POETRY

this is the garden: colours come and go,
frail azures fluttering from night’s outer wing
strong silent greens serenely lingering,
absolute lights like baths of golden snow.                        – e e cummings (1894–1962)

Miles Hearn