Some years ago, I was leading a walk in High Park when we saw this plant:
I identified it as Hairy Beardtongue and heard a gentleman say “Harry Beardtongue? Didn’t he play for the Cubs?”
Early this morning I visited the Reesor pond which is just north of the zoo and saw this plant:
It is a relative of “Hairy” called Foxglove or White Beardtongue.
I visited the pond hoping to find a Sora which has been reported in the area.
No luck with Sora but there are many glorious plants:
Sunflower (Helianthus strumosusus)
Sunflower (Helianthus strumosusus)
NATURE POETRY
The world was all before them, where to choose
Their place of rest, and Providence their guide.
They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow,
Through Eden took their solitary way. – Milton
Miles Hearn
Foxglove, the original source of digitalis/digoxin – powerful cardiac drug.
https://www.britannica.com/plant/foxglove
No worries about this plant, it’s Penstemon digitalis, ie a beards tongue that resembles a foxglove. The all-parts-toxic Digitalis purpurea is the source of digitalis, a gorgeous garden plant & occasional escapee you’d want to think twice about if your cats or dogs are plant nibblers.
PS thank you for all you do Cathy.