marie’s time for nature
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TRANSCRIPT
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Time for NatureBotany Blitz
A wildlife ecologist’s foray into the unfamiliar world of plants
by Marie Tremblay
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Plants, you say?
What would prompt a wildlife ecologist like myself to dedicate her Time For Nature to the study of plants? Long story short, I’ve always been interested in plants but just haven’t had much time to devote to them . . . until now.
In that sense, my TFN was a total indulgence – an opportunity to spend time appreciating nature in a way I don’t normally have time for. And I certainly wasn’t disappointed - over the course of the week, I managed to identify (hopefully, correctly) 139 species of vascular plants. That’s about 120 more species than I was familiar with when I started out!
But perhaps the most remarkable observation I made was just how incredibly beautiful plants are when you examine them
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carefully. Hence, my TFN felt more like a visit to a colourful outdoor art gallery than a natural history exercise. From the showy to the subtle, I found each species I encountered had its own unique cachet.
My explorations took me to five NCC properties, all within a three-hour drive from Calgary, Alberta. These are described briefly at the beginning of this presentation, followed by the plant species I encountered during my adventure. Unless otherwise noted, all photos were taken by myself on NCC properties.
Finally, despite my best efforts, I may have misidentified some species. If you notice any errors, please bring them to my attention. Also, there were several species that left me completely stumped. I have included these in the Mystery Section, which starts on slide 185. Any clues that might help in their identification would be most appreciated!
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Lusicich property, Crowsnest Pass, SW corner of AB
Date visited:July 3, 2012
Natural Region: Rocky Mountain
Natural Subregion:Montane
NCC Stats:263 acres, fee simple, located in the Crowsnest Pass Natural Area.
Notes: Day 1 was spent scrambling up and down well-used game trails with some of my AB colleagues. Special thanks to plant aficionado Kelly Eaton for helping get my botany blitz off to a blazing start with 61 species.
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Kerfoot property, west of Calgary
Date visited:July 4, 2012
Natural Region: Rocky Mountain
Natural Subregion:Montane
NCC Stats:1280 acres, conservation agreement, located in the Bow Natural Area.
Notes: Nestled in the Rocky Mountain Foothills, Kerfoot is a magical place right at Calgary’s doorstep. The ridge topography provides not only breathtaking views but also a wide array of vegetation communities to explore. I managed to identify 83 different species in one afternoon.
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Nodwell property, east of Calgary
Date visited:July 5, 2012
Natural Region: Grasslands
Natural Subregion:Northern Fescue
NCC Stats:320 acres, fee simple, located in the Badlands Natural Area.
Notes:Prairie badlands are one of my favourite landscapes. On Nodwell I encountered 48 intriguing species, from Pricklypear Cactus on sunbaked slopes to Creamy Peavine tucked away in the cool understory of white spruce stands.
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Beynon-Biggs property, east of Calgary
Date visited:July 5, 2012
Natural Region: Grasslands
Natural Subregion:
NCC Stats: 445 acres, fee simple, located in the Badlands Natural Area.
Notes: Rosebud Creek runs through this quiet and secluded piece of land. I didn’t have much time here so will have to go back for a more thorough visit.
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Connop property near Turner Valley, SW of Calgary
Date visited:July 6, 2012
Natural Region: Rocky Mountain
Natural Subregion:Montane
NCC Stats: 320 acres, fee simple, located in the Bow Natural Area.
Notes:Like a kid in a candy store, I was overwhelmed by the variety of wildflowers gracing the property’s grasslands, aspen stands and wet meadows. I managed to document 51 species here, several of which I hadn’t seen elsewhere.
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Here we go . . .
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Apiaceae Family
(Carrot Family)
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Caraway
Also called:
Family: Apiaceae
Scientific Name: Carum carvi
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Connop
Notes: Introduced from Eurasia as a cultivated species.
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Cow-parsnip
Also called:
Family: Apiaceae
Scientific Name: Heracleum maximum
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Connop
Notes:Important bear food.
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Blunt-fruited Sweet-cicely
Also called:
Family: Apiaceae
Scientific Name: Osmorhiza depauperata
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Connop
Notes:The roots of this plant were used by the Blackfoot to make flour.
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Heart-leaved Alexanders
Also called: Meadow Parsnip
Family: Apiaceae
Scientific Name: Zizia aptera
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Connop
Notes:Considered potentially poisonous.
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Asteraceae Family
(Aster Family)
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Yarrow
Also called:
Family: Asteraceae
Scientific Name: Achillea millefolium
NCC Properties:Lusicish, Kerfoot, Nodwell, Beynon, Connop
Notes:This aromatic plant has been used for millenia as a medecine and insecticide. Used externally to treat burns, boils, open sores, pimples, earaches, sore eyes and mosquito bites. As a tea, was used internally to treat colds, diarrhea, fevers and diabetes.
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Pale False-dandelion
Also called:
Family: Asteraceae
Scientific Name: Agoseris glauca
NCC Properties:Kerfoot
Notes:Native. Grows in mountain meadows, prairie grasslands and open woodlands.
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Alpine Pussytoes
Also called:
Family: Asteraceae
Scientific Name: Antennaria alpina
NCC Properties:Lusicish, Kerfoot
Notes:Grows in alpine meadows. The flowers resemble the paws of a cat.
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Showy Pussytoes
Also called:
Family: Asteraceae
Scientific Name: Antennaria pulcherrima
NCC Properties:Connop
Notes:Grows in moist sites in open woods and meadows; foothills to subalpine.
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Rosy Pussytoes
Also called:
Family: Asteraceae
Scientific Name: Antennaria rosea
NCC Properties:Lusicish
Notes:Grows in dry, open areas and prairie grasslands.
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Arrow-leaved Balsamroot
Also called:
Family: Asteraceae
Scientific Name: Balsamorhiza sagittata
NCC Properties:Lusicish
Notes:A sticky substance is exuded by the root. Distribution in Alberta is restricted to the far SW corner of the province.
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Golden Aster
Also called: Hairy Golden Aster
Family: Asteraceae
Scientific Name: Heterotheca villaso/Chrysopsis villosa
NCC Properties:Kerfoot
Notes:Native. Increaser. Fair forage value.
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Brown-eyed Susan
Also called: Blanketflower, Gaillardia
Family: Asteraceae
Scientific Name: Gaillardia aristata
NCC Properties:Lusicish, Kerfoot, Nodwell, Connop
Notes:The roots were used by the Blackfoot to treat stomach disorders and eye and nose infections.
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Canada Goldenrod
Also called:
Family: Asteraceae
Scientific Name: Solidago canadensis
NCC Properties:Lusicish, Connop, Nodwell
Notes:The flowers make a bright yellow dye. The young leaves can be eaten in a salad or cooked like spinach.
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Canada Thistle
Also called: Creeping Thistle
Family: Asteraceae
Scientific Name: Circium arvense
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Connop, Nodwell
Notes: Eurasian weed. Common and noxious. Invader. Poor forage value. Introduced from SE Asia to Canada in contaminated crop seed.
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Common Dandelion
Also called:
Family: Asteraceae
Scientific Name: Taraxacum officinale
NCC Properties:Lusicish, Kerfoot, Nodwell, Connop
Notes:Introduced annual.
Dandelions are so ubiquitous, I didn’t think of taking a photo . . .
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Chicory
Also called:
Family: Asteraceae
Scientific Name: Chicorium intybus
NCC Properties:Nodwell
Notes:Wild variety of Romaine lettuce. Used as coffee substitute.
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Cut-leaved Fleabane
Also called:
Family: Asteraceae
Scientific Name: Erigeron compositus
NCC Properties:Lusicish
Notes:
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Tufted Fleabane
Also called:
Family: Asteraceae
Scientific Name: Erigeron caespitosus
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Nodwell, Connop
Notes:Increaser. Native. Poor forage value.
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Goatsbeard
Also called: Western Salsify
Family: Asteraceae
Scientific Name: Tragopogon dubuis
NCC Properties:Lusicish, Kerfoot, Nodwell
Notes:Introduced from Eurasia.
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Hairy Arnica
Also called:
Family: Asteraceae
Scientific Name: Arnica mollis
NCC Properties:Kerfoot
Notes:
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Pearly Everlasting
Also called:
Family: Asteraceae
Scientific Name: Anaphalis margaritaceae
NCC Properties:Kerfoot,
Notes:
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Sagebrush
Also called:
Family: Asteraceae
Scientific Name: Artemisia cana
NCC Properties: Nodwell
Notes:Used by prong-horned antelope. Very tolerant of salinity. Tends to invade grazing ranges because cattle don’t eat it.
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Pasture Sagewort
Also called:
Family: Asteraceae
Scientific Name: Artemisia frigida
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Nodwell, Beynon
Notes:Not grazed by cattle in Alberta but cattle in New Mexico will eat it.
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Prairie Sagewort
Also called:
Family: Asteraceae
Scientific Name: Artemisia ludoviciana
NCC Properties:Nodwell
Notes: Used by Native peoples to treat stomach aches, sinus ailments, headaches, rheumatism and colds. Increaser with over-grazing.
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Long-leaved Sage
Also called:
Family: Asteraceae
Scientific Name: Artemisia longifolia
NCC Properties:Nodwell
Notes: Distribution in Alberta is restricted to the SE part of the province. Occurs on eroded slopes, shale outcrops and in badlands.
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Narrow-leaved Hawkweed
Also called:
Family: Asteraceae
Scientific Name: Heiracium umbellatum
NCC Properties:Nodwell
Notes:Might also beNarrow-leavedHawksbeard, an introduced species?
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Common Annual Sunflower
Also called:
Family: Asteraceae
Scientific Name: Helianthus annus
NCC Properties:Nodwell
Notes:Grows along roadsides and dry, sandy areas.
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Colorado Rubber Plant
Also called:
Family: Asteraceae
Scientific Name: Hymenoxys richarsonii
NCC Properties:Nodwell
Notes:The roots contain a rubbery substance that can be used as chewing gum.
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Woolly Groundsel
Also called: Prairie Groundsel, Silvery Goundsel
Family: Asteraceae
Scientific Name: Senecio canus/Packera cana
NCC Properties:Lusicish, Kerfoot, Nodwell, Connop
Notes:‘Cana’ means ash-coloured, which refers to the greyish surface of the leaves and stems.
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Berberidaceae Family
(Barberry Family)
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Creeping Oregon-grape
Also called:
Family: Berberidaceae
Scientific Name: Mahonia repens
NCC Properties:Lusicish
Notes:This plant had manytraditional medecinal uses including as an antiseptic, for helping delivery the placenta and heal wounds, as a contraceptive, and to treat kidney and stomach troubles, rheumatism, and loss of appetite.
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Betulaceae Family
(Birch Family)
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Bog Birch
Also called: Dwarf Birch
Family: Betulaceae
Scientific Name: Betula nana
NCC Properties:Connop
Notes:Observed in a wetmeadow.
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Boraginaceae Family
(Borage Family)
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Blueweed
Also called:
Family: Boraginaceae
Scientific Name: Echium vulgare
NCC Properties:Lusicish
Notes:Introduced from North Africa as an ornamental.
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Bluebur
Also called:
Family: Boraginaceae
Scientific Name: Lappula squarrosa
NCC Properties:Kerfoot
Notes:Introduced from Eurasia.
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Yellow Puccoon
Also called: Lemonweed,Woolly Gromwell
Family: Boraginaceae
Scientific Name: Lithospermum ruderale
NCC Properties:Lusicish, Kerfoot, Connop
Notes:Native peoples used an extract from this plant as a form of birth control. The extract contains estrogen.
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Tall BluebellsAlso called: Tall Lungwort
Family: Boraginaceae
Scientific Name: Mertensia paniculata
NCC Properties:Kerfoot
Notes:The fresh leaves are edible and can be used in soups or salads.
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Brassicaceae Family
(Mustard Family)
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Wormseed Mustard
Also called:
Family: Brassicaceae
Scientific Name:Erysimum cheiranthoides
NCC Properties:Kerfoot
Notes:Native. Grows in fields and disturbed areas.
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Stinkweed
Also called: Pennycress, Fanflower
Family: Brassicaceae
Scientific Name: Thlapsi arvense
NCC Properties:Kerfoot
Notes:Introduced from Eurasia. Affects the flavour of milk when cattle feed on this plant.
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Cactaceae Family
(Cactus Family)
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Plains Pricklypear
Also called:
Family: Cactaceae
Scientific Name:Opuntia polycantha
NCC Properties:Nodwell
Notes:Common in the badlands.
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Campanulaceae Family
(Harebell Family)
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Harebell
Also called:
Family: Campanulaceae
Scientific Name:Campanula rotundifolia
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Nodwell
Notes: Native. Increaser. Poor forage value.
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Caprifoliaceae Family
(Honeysuckle Family)
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Buckbrush
Also called:
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Scientific Name: Symphoricarpos occidentalis
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Nodwell, Beynon
Notes:The stems were used by the Blackfoot to make arrow shafts.
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Caryophyllaceae Family
(Pink Family)
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Long-stalkedChickweed
Also called: Long-stalked Starwort
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Scientific Name: Stellaria longpipes
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Kerfoot, Connop
Notes:Grows in moist open areas and woodlands.
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Mouse-earChickweed
Also called:
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Scientific Name: Cerastium arvense
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Kerfoot, Connop
Notes:Petals are notched, resembling mouse ears.
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Cornaceae Family
(Dogwood Family)
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Red-osierDogwood
Also called:
Family: Cornaceae
Scientific Name: Cornus sericea
NCC Properties:Nodwell
Notes:Browsed by moose. Leaves cure on the ground and are very nutritious. Used as an ornamental due to red stems.
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Crassulaceae Family
(Stonecrop Family)
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Lance-leaved Stonecrop
Also called:
Family: Crassulaceae
Scientific Name: Sedum lanceolatum
NCC Properties:Lusicich
Notes:The plant is highly drought-resistant due to the fleshy leaves that act as water storage devices.
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Cuppressaceae Family
(Cedar Family)
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Common JuniperAlso called:
Family: Cupressaceae
Scientific Name: Juniperis communis
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Kerfoot, Nodwell, Beynon
Notes:Very widespread species. The wood was used to repel insects and deodorize.
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Creeping Juniper
Also called:
Family: Cupressaceae
Scientific Name: Juniperis horizontalis
NCC Properties: Kerfoot, Nodwell
Notes: Widespread species. Typically found on dry rocky or sandy open slopes and forests.
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Rocky Mountain Juniper
Also called:
Family: Cupressaceae
Scientific Name: Juniperis scopularum
NCC Properties:Lusicich
Notes:Long-lived species; typically 200-300 years but sometimes up to 1,500 years.
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Cyperaceae Family
(Sedge Family)
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Creeping Spikerush
Also called:
Family: Cyperaceae
Scientific Name: Eleocharis palustris
NCC Properties:Connop
Notes: Observed in a wet meadow.
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Elaeagnaceae Family
(Oleaster Family)
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Wolfwillow
Also called: Silverberry
Family: Elaeagnaceae
Scientific Name: Elaeagnus communtata
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Nodwell
Notes:Flowers give off a pungent smell that is offensive to some (including me).
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BuffaloberryAlso called: Soopolalie
Family: Elaeagnaceae
Scientific Name: Shepherdia canadensis
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Kerfoot, Nodwell
Notes:Important bear food. A grizzly bear can eat up to 200,000 berries in single day.
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Equisetaceae Family
(Horsetail Family)
76
Common Horsetail
Also called: Field Horsetail
Family: Equisetaceae
Scientific Name: Equisetum arvense
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Kerfoot
Notes: Bears will eat this plant. One of the most widespread plant species in the world.
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Ericaceae Family
(Heath Family)
78
Common Bearberry
Also called: Kinnikinnick
Family: Ericaceae
Scientific Name: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
NCC Properties:Lusicich
Notes:Indicator of acid soils. Bears eat the fruit. Used as an ornamental.
79
Dwarf Blueberry
Also called:
Family: Ericaceae
Scientific Name: Vaccinium caespitosum
NCC Properties:Kerfoot
Notes:Berries are juicy and sweet. They were widely used by native peoples either fresh or dried.
80
Fabaceae Family
(Pea Family)
81
Field Milkvetch
Also called: Purple Milkvetch
Family: Fabaceae
Scientific Name: Astragalus agrestis
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Nodwell
Notes: Members of the pea or legume family are important ecologically due to their role as nitrogen-fixers.
82
Indian Milkvetch
Also called: Purple Milkvetch
Family: Fabaceae
Scientific Name: Astragalus australis
NCC Properties:Lusicich
Notes: Grows in prairies and mountain meadows.
83
Wild Vetch
Also called:
Family: Fabaceae
Scientific Name: Vicia americana
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Nodwell, Connop
Notes: Might also be Few-Flowered Milkvetch.
84
Creamy Peavine
Also called: Cream-coloured Vetchling
Family: Fabaceae
Scientific Name: Lathyrus ochroleucus
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Nodwell, Connop
Notes: Native peoples ate the fruits of this plant. However, continued ingestion of the peas over several days can lead to serious health issues like loss of muscle coordination and paralysis.
85
Alpine Hedysarum
Also called:
Family: Fabaceae
Scientific Name: Hedysarum alpinum
NCC Properties:Keerfoot, Connop
Notes:
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Yellow Hedysarum
Also called: Yellow Sweet-vetch
Family: Fabaceae
Scientific Name: Hedysarum sulphurescens
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Kerfoot
Notes: Important food for grizzly bears, which feed off the roots in spring and fall.
87
Silky Lupine
Also called: Perennial Lupine
Family: Fabaceae
Scientific Name: Lupinus sericeus
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Connop
Notes: In Alberta, restricted to Rocky Mountains. Grows in grasslands and open woods.
88
Yellow Sweetclover
Also called:
Family: Fabaceae
Scientific Name: Melilotus officinale
NCC Properties:Nodwell
Notes: Introduced from Europe as a forage plant.
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White Sweetclover
Also called:
Family: Fabaceae
Scientific Name: Melilotus alba
NCC Properties:Nodwell
Notes: Introduced from Europe as a forage plant. Invader. Good forage value. Commonly used in reclamation as part of reseeding mixes.
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Late Yellow Locoweed
Also called:
Family: Fabaceae
Scientific Name: Oxytropis monticola
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Kerfoot
Notes:Native. Toxic; causes horse to go crazy and photosensitivity in cattle. Increaser with overgrazing.
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Showy Locoweed
Also called:
Family: Fabaceae
Scientific Name: Oxytropis splendens
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Kerfoot
Notes:Found in prairie grasslands and open woods. Very striking.
92
Golden Bean
Also called:
Family: Fabaceae
Scientific Name: Thermopsis rhombifolia
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Nodwell, Connop
Notes:Poisonous; ingestion will cause respiratory paralysis. Native peoples used the flowers to make yellow dye.
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Red Clover
Also called:
Family: Fabaceae
Scientific Name: Trifolium pratense
NCC Properties:Kerfoot
Notes: Introduced from Europe as a forage plant. Grows in disturbed sites and on lawns.
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White Clover
Also called:
Family: Fabaceae
Scientific Name: Trifolium repens
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Connop
Notes:Introduced from Europe. Grows in lawns and waste areas.
95
Geraniaceae Family
(Geranium Family)
96
White Geranium
Also called:
Family: Geraniaceae
Scientific Name: Geranium richardsonii
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Kerfoot, Connop
Notes:Grows in open aspen and spruce forest. The leaves are edible.
97
Sticky Purple Geranium
Also called:
Family: Geraniaceae
Scientific Name: Geranium viscosissimum
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Kerfoot, Connop
Notes:Grows in open grasslands, foothills and coulees.
98
Grossulariaceae Family
(Currant Family)
99
Northern Gooseberry
Also called:
Family: Grossulariaceae
Scientific Name: Ribes oxyacanthoides
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Kerfoot, Nodwell, Connop
Notes:Thorny. The fruit makes a good jelly.
100
Hydrophyllaceae Family
(Waterleaf Family)
101
Silver-leaved Scorpionweed
Also called:
Family: Hydrophyllaceae
Scientific Name: Phacelia hastata
NCC Properties:Lusicich
Notes:Grows in dry, open sites in southern BC and Alberta.
102
Silky Scorpionweed
Also called:
Family: Hydrophyllaceae
Scientific Name: Phacelai sericia
NCC Properties:Lusicich
Notes:In Alberta, only found in the Rocky Mountains, in open woods and on subalpine slopes.
103
Iridaceae Family
(Iris Family)
104
Blue-eyed Grass
Also called:
Family: Iridaceae
Scientific Name: Sisyrinchium montanum
NCC Properties: Kerfoot, Connop
Notes:
105
Liliaceae Family
(Lily Family)
106
Wild Chives
Also called:
Family: Liliaceae
Scientific Name: Allium schoenoprasum
NCC Properties:Connop
Notes:Used by native peoples to flavour food and treat colds or coughs.
107
Mariposa Lily
Also called:
Family: Liliaceae
Scientific Name: Calochortus apiculatus
NCC Properties:Lusicich
Notes:In Alberta, only found in extreme SW corner of the province. The Blackfoot ate the bulbs of this plant.
108
Western Wood Lily
Also called:
Family: Liliaceae
Scientific Name: Lilium philadelphicum
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Nodwell
Notes:Floral emblem of Saskatchewan. Flowers are large and incredibly showy.
109
False Solomon’s-seal
Also called:
Family: Liliaceae
Scientific Name: Maianthemum racemosum/ Smilacina racemosa
NCC Properties:Lusicich
Notes:The young shoots are edible. Leaf margins are wavy, in contrast to Star-flowered Solomon’s-seal.
110
Star-flowered Solomon’s-seal
Also called:
Family: Liliaceae
Scientific Name: Maianthemum stellatum / Smilacian stellata
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Nodwell, Connop
Notes:Typically found on the edges of woods. Roots were used by Native peoples to stop bleeding. Plant is highly edible to livestock.
111
Bronzebells
Also called:
Family: Liliaceae
Scientific Name: Stenanthium occidentale
NCC Properties:Lusicich
Notes:In Alberta, only found in or near the Rocky Mountains.
112
White Camas
Also called:
Family: Liliaceae
Scientific Name: Zigadenus elegans
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Kerfoot, Connop
Notes:Slightly poisonous to humans and livestock, although eaten in large quantities could be deadly.
113
Death Camas
Also called:
Family: Liliaceae
Scientific Name: Zigadenus venenosus
NCC Properties:Lusicich
Notes:Highly poisonous.
114
Linaceae Family
(Flax Family)
115
Western Blue Flax
Also called:
Family: Linaceae
Scientific Name: Lilum lewisii
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Nodwell
Notes:Native. Used agriculturally to produce linseed oil.
116
Onagraceae Family
(Evening-primrose Family)
117
Fireweed
Also called: Great Willowherb
Family: Onagraceae
Scientific Name: Epilobium angustifolium
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Connop
Notes: Is the floral emblem of the Yukon. Early successional species; comes in after fire.
118
Pinaceae Family
(Pine Family)
119
White Spruce
Also called:
Family: Pinaceae
Scientific Name: Picea glauca
NCC Properties:Nodwell, Beynon
Notes: Wood is straight-grained and used commercially for construction material and pulp.
120
Lodgepole Pine
Also called:
Family: Pinaceae
Scientific Name: Pinus contorta
NCC Properties:Lusicich*
Notes: Early successional species; he serotinous cones need fire to open and drop seeds. Needles are twisted (hence ‘contorta’) and in bunches of 2. Used commercially for pulp. 70-year rotational time.
*Photos taken in Waterton National Park.
121
Limber Pine
Also called:
Family: Pinaceae
Scientific Name: Pinus flexilis
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Kerfoot
Notes:No commercial value. Branches are very flexible.
122
Douglas-fir
Also called:
Family: Pinaceae
Scientific Name: Pseudo-tsuga menziesii
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Kerfoot
Notes:Older trees have a cork-like bark that is highly resistant to fire. One o the largest tree species in Canada.
123
Poaceae Family
(Grass Family)
124
Short-awned Foxtail
Also called: Little Meadow-foxtail
Family: Poaceae
Scientific Name: Alopecurus aequalis
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Connop
Notes:Typically found in marshes and ditches.
125
Crested Wheatgrass
Also called:
Family: Poaceae
Scientific Name: Agropyron cristatum
NCC Properties:Nodwell
Notes:Introduced; extremely aggressive species. High producer for cattle feed. High evaporation rate makes it good for draining/depressing the water table. Was formerly used extensively for reclamation but is no longer due to invasiveness.
126
Slender Wheatgrass
Also called: Awned Wheatgrass
Family: Poaceae
Scientific Name: Agropyron trachycaulum
NCC Properties:Kerfoot
Notes:Native. Provides excellent forage for sheet, cattle and wildlife. Vulnerable to overgrazing.
127
Smoothe Brome
Also called:
Family: Poaceae
Scientific Name: Bromus inermis
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Nodwell, Beynon, Connop
Notes: Introduced from Europe. Used for road revegetation since the 1920s. Very hardy and aggressive. Encroaches on native grasslands. Makes good hay.
128
Quack Grass
Also called:
Family: Poaceae
Scientific Name: Elymus repens
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Kerfoot
Notes:Introduced from Europe. Highly invasive and rhizomous. In severely infested fields, rhyzomes can weigh up to 7-9 metric tons per acre.
129
Sweet Grass
Also called:
Family: Poaceae
Scientific Name: Hierochloe odorata
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Connop
Notes:
130
Mountain Rough Fescue
Also called:
Family: Poaceae
Scientific Name: Festuca altaica
NCC Properties:Nodwell
Notes: Native. A common tufted grass of dry prairie grasslands.
131
Foxtail Barley
Also called:
Family: Poaceae
Scientific Name: Hordeum jubatum
NCC Properties:Nodwell
Notes:Indicates moderate salt content in soils. Palatable in spring; after that awns cause mechanical damage. Poor forage value. Considered an invader.
132
Hairy Wild Rye
Also called:
Family: Poaceae
Scientific Name: Leymus innovatus
NCC Properties:Kerfoot
Notes:I’m not entirely sure about species identification on this one.
133
June Grass
Also called:
Family: Poaceae
Scientific Name: Koeleria cristata/macrantha
NCC Properties:Kerfoot
Notes:Native. Preferred by cattle. Good forage value. Highly nutritious.
134
Kentucky Bluegrass
Also called:
Family: Poaceae
Scientific Name: Poa praatense
NCC Properties:Kerfoot
Notes: Introduced. Used for lawns.
135
Timothy
Also called:
Family: Poaceae
Scientific Name: Phleum pratense
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Nodwell, Connop
Notes: Introduced forage crop from Europe. Commonly grown for hay. Can germinate directly on horse manure. Good forage value. Considered an invader. Used for reclamation, improved pasture.
136
Polygonaceae Family
(Buckwheat Family)
137
Yellow Umbrellaplant
Also called:
Family: Polygonaceae
Scientific Name: Eriogonum flavum
NCC Properties:Kerfoot
Notes:Native peoples mashed the roots of this plant for earplugs. Found on dry plains and gravelly or rocky slopes.
138
Primulaceae Family
(Primrose Family)
139
Saline Shootingstar
Also called:
Family: Primulaceae
Scientific Name: Dodecatheon pulchellum
NCC Properties:Connop
Notes: Observed in a wet meadow. Could also be Dodecatheon conjugens, which looks very similar and has an overlapping distribution.
140
Ranunculaceae Family
(Crowfoot or Buttercup Family)
141
Canada Anemone
Also called:
Family: Ranunculaceae
Scientific Name: Anemone canadensis
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Connop
Notes: I struggled to identify this plant...
142
Windflower
Also called: Cut-leaved Anemone
Family: Ranunculaceae
Scientific Name: Anemone multifida
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Kerfoot, Connop
Notes: Top photo shows plant before bloom.
143
Prairie Crocus
Also called: Pasqueflower
Family: Ranunculaceae
Scientific Name: Anemone patens
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Kerfoot
Notes: Blooms in early spring. Forms a hairy seedhead as shown in photo.
144
Yellow Columbine
Also called:
Family: Ranunculaceae
Scientific Name: Aquilegia flavescens
NCC Properties:Lusicich
Notes:Observed on open forest floor. The young leaves and flowers are edible.
145
Meadow Buttercup
Also called: Tall Buttercup
Family: Ranunculaceae
Scientific Name: Ranunculus acris
NCC Properties:Kerfoot
Notes: Introduced from Europe. Often found in overgrazed pastures; is unpalatable to cattle.
146
Western Meadowrue
Also called:
Family: Ranunculaceae
Scientific Name: Thalictrum occidentale
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Kerfoot, Beynon, Connop
Notes: Grows in aspen forests and moist meadows.
147
Rosaceae Family
(Rose Family)
148
Saskatoon
Also called:
Family: Rosaceae
Scientific Name: Amelanchier alnifolia
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Kerfoot, Nodwell, Beynon
Notes:Heavily browsed by deer. Fruits are delicious.
149
Wild Strawberry
Also called:
Family: Rosaceae
Scientific Name: Fragaria vesca/virginiana
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Kerfoot, Nodwell, Connop
Notes:Edible.
150
Yellow Avens
Also called:
Family: Rosaceae
Scientific Name: Geum aleppicum
NCC Properties:Connop
Notes: At first glance, I thought this was a cinquefoil. I now believe this to be an avens but am not entirely sure. Does this seem right?
151
Old Man’s Whiskers
Also called:
Family: Rosaceae
Scientific Name: Geum triflorum
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Nodwell, Connop
Notes: Native increaser. Poor forage value.
152
Shrubby Cinquefoil
Also called:
Family: Rosaceae
Scientific Name: Potentilla fruticosa / Pentaphylloides floribunda
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Kerfoot, Connop
Notes:Native increaser. Abundance indicates overgrazing. Poor forage value.
153
White Cinquefoil
Also called:
Family: Rosaceae
Scientific Name: Potentilla arguta
NCC Properties:Kerfoot
Notes:Grows in moist prairie grasslands.
154
Early Cinquefoil
Also called:
Family: Rosaceae
Scientific Name: Potentilla concinna
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Connop
Notes: Grows in dry open prairie.
155
Diverse-leaved Cinquefoil
Also called: Blue-leaved Cinquefoil
Scientific Name: Potentilla diversifolia
NCC Properties:Kerfoot
Notes:Could this also be Silver Potentilla(Potentilla argentea), which is considered a weed?
156
Rough Cinquefoil
Also called:
Family: Rosaceae
Scientific Name: Potentilla norvegica
NCC Properties:Kerfoot
Notes:Species is found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Flowers are smaller than other cinquefoils.
157
Wild Rose
Also called:
Family: Rosaceae
Scientific Name: Rosa acicularis
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Kerfoot, Nodwell, Beynon, Connop
Notes:Emblem of Alberta.
158
Chokecherry
Also called:
Family: Rosaceae
Scientific Name: Prunus virginiana
NCC Properties:Nodwell, Beynon
Notes:The fruit is sour but makes good jams and jellies. The Blackfoot dried the fruit into cakes, which they used as trail food.
159
Wild Raspberry
Also called:
Family: Rosaceae
Scientific Name: Rubus ideaus
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Nodwell, Connop
Notes:Berries are edible.
160
Thimbleberry
Also called:
Family: Rosaceae
Scientific Name: Rubus parviflorus
NCC Properties:Lusicich
Notes:Berries are edible.
161
Rubiaceae Family
(Bedstraw Family)
162
Northern Bedstraw
Also called:
Family: Rubiaceae
Scientific Name: Galium boreale
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Kerfoot, Nodwell, Connop
Notes:Used as an ornamental, as a type of “baby’s breath”.
163
Salicaceae Family
(Willow Family)
164
Balsam Poplar
Also called:
Family: Salicaceae
Scientific Name: Populus balsamifera
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Beynon, Connop
Notes:Browsed by moose. When leaves fall they cure and are very nutritious. Wood used to make plywood. Warps when wet.
165
Trembling Aspen
Also called:
Family: Salicaceae
Scientific Name: Populus tremuloides
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Connop
Notes:Early successional species. Reproduces by suckering, which produces clones. Commercially low-quality wood used for pulp, chopsticks and cheap trailer cupboards.
166
Willow
Also called:
Family: Salicaceae
Scientific Name: Salix sp?
NCC Properties:Kerfoot, Nodwell, Beynon, Connop
Notes:I encountered many members of the willow family but lacked the tools to identify individual species.
167
Santalaceae Family
(Sandalwood Family)
168
Bastard Toadflax
Also called: Pale Comandra
Family: Santalaceae
Scientific Name: Comandra umbellata/pallida
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Kerfoot
Notes:Parasitic plant that get its food from roots of other plants.
169
Saxifragaceae Family
(Saxifrage Family)
170
Round-leaved Alumroot
Also called: Sticky Alumroot
Family: Saxifragaceae
Scientific Name: Heuchera cylindrica
NCC Properties:Lusicish
Notes:Inhabits rocky and gravelly slopes. In Alberta, restricted to SW corner of the province.
171
Alumroot
Also called:
Family: Saxifragaceae
Scientific Name: Heuchera richardsonii
NCC Properties: Kerfoot
Notes:Looks similar to Round-leaved Alumroot but wider distribution in Alberta and inhabits moist sites in prairie grasslands.
172
Scrophulariaceae Family
(Figwort Family)
173
Scarlett Paintbrush
Also called: Common Red Paintbrush
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Scientific Name: Castilleja miniata
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Kerfoot
Notes: Believed to be semi-parasitic due to the paucity of root hairs, which generally serve to absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
174
Yellow Paintbrush
Also called:
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Scientific Name: Castilleja occidentalis
NCC Properties:Lusicich
Notes:
175
Elephant-head
Also called: Little Red Elephant
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Scientific Name: Pedicularis groenlandica
NCC Properties:Connop
Notes: Found in a wet meadow, which is expected for this plant.
176
Yellow Beardtongue
Also called:
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Scientific Name: Penstemon confertus
NCC Properties:Lusicich
Notes:Inhabits meadows and open woods. The hairy, sterile stamen resembles a tongue, hence the name.
177
Crested Beardtongue
Also called:
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Scientific Name: Penstemon eriantherus
NCC Properties:Lusicich
Notes:
178
Srubby Beardtongue
Also called:
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Scientific Name: Penstemon fruticosus
NCC Properties:Lusicich
Notes:Found on dry rocky subalpine and alpine slopes.
179
Smoothe BlueBeardtongue
Also called:
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Scientific Name: Penstemon nitidus
NCC Properties:Lusicich
Notes:Leaves are fleshy, opposite and relatively wide.
180
Common Mullein
Also called:
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Scientific Name: Verbascum thapsus
NCC Properties:Lusicich
Notes: Introduced from Greece as a medicinal plant and fish intoxicant. Biennial plant. First year only a basal rosette is produced (see inset).
181
Urticaceae Family
(Stinging Nettle Family)
182
Common Stinging Nettle
Also called:
Family: Urticaceaa
Scientific Name: Urtica dioica
NCC Properties:Kerfoot
Notes: Hairs on stem and leaves cause skin rash and inflammation.
183
Violaceae Family
(Violet Family)
184
Canada Violet
Also called:
Family: Violoaceae
Scientific Name: Viola canadensis
NCC Properties:Lusicich, Kerfoot
Notes:
185
The Mystery Section
Can you help me put names to the following photos?
186
Very fine , silky feeling seedhead. Observed on Kerfoot property.
187
Observed on Kerfoot property.
188
Observed on Kerfoot property.
189
Observed on Kerfoot property.
190
Observed on Kerfoot property.
191
Observed on Kerfoot property.
192
Observed on Kerfoot property.
193
Observed on Kerfoot property.
194
Weedy species observed on Kerfoot property.
195
Observed on Kerfoot property.
196
Observed on Connop property, in moist meadow.
197
Observed on Connop property, in moist meadow.
198
Observed on Connop property, in moist meadow.