Crownvetch is not a true vetch, although it resembles common and hairy vetch. Crownvetch spreads from rhizomes and will form a dense cover. It has been used for soil stabilization and as an ornamental for many years. Coronilla means "little crown", and varia refers to variations in flower color as well as growth habits.

Tags:   Calgary Alberta Canada near Calgary Zoo nature flora flower wildflower Vetch Crownvetch Coronilla varia FlickrGold FlickrDiamond DiamondClassPhotographer annkelliott Olympus C750UZ Talkaboutwildlife.ca

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A closer photo of a Gumweed flower bud, showing the white, sticky sap that this plant produces. I have read that the sticky flower heads can be used as a substitute for chewing gum.

Tags:   Calgary Alberta Canada Fish Creek Park Shaw's Meadow nature flora flower wildflower Gumweed bud

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This flower, also known as Long-leaf Veronica, is rare in the wild here. Introduced from Europe. Saw this particular clump of flowers at Votier's Flats, Fish Creek Park, in an area that used to have an old homestead.

Tags:   Calgary Alberta Canada Fish Creek Park Votier's Flats nature flora flower wildflower Veronica Long-leaf Speedwell Veronica longifolia Spiked Speedwell

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This was seen at Tom Campbell Hill, close to the Calgary Zoo. Introduced from Eurasia, it is an abundant, bushy weed that was introduced as an ornamental for its autumn foliage. The tiny red shapes are not petals, but stamens.

Tags:   Calgary Alberta Canada Tom Campbell Hill nature flora flower plant wildflower Kochia Summer-cypress Burning Bush Fireball Kochia scoparia

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Found this plant growing wild by a small area of wetland in Bebo Grove, Fish Creek Park, yesterday afternoon. It is an introduced plant, from Eurasia. It's status in Calgary is rare; casual escape from cultivation.

"Achillea ptarmica (Sneezewort, Sneezeweed, Bastard Pellitory, European Pellitory, Fair-maid-of-France, Goose Tongue, Sneezewort Yarrow, Wild Pellitory, White Tansy) is a species in the genus Achillea. It has loose clusters of white, button-like flowers that bloom from June to August. Its dark green leaves have finely-toothed margins.

This is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that prefers full sun and moist but well-drained soil.

The name ptarmica comes from the Greek word ptairo (=sneeze) and means 'causes sneezing'.

The plant is poisonous to cattle, sheep, and horses. Symptoms are generally slow to develop, and include fever, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, weight loss, drooling, spasms and loss of muscular control, and convulsions." From Wikipedia website.

Added on 2 September 2017: I found a Sneezewort Yarrow plant growing at Bankside, Fish Creek Park, this morning, on a birding walk led by Terry Korolyk. Flowers were well past their prime.

Tags:   Calgary Alberta Canada nature Fish Creek Park Bebo Grove plant flora flower wildflower Sneezewort Sneezewort Yarrow False Sneezewort Achillea ptarmica toxic poisonous

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