Friday, August 2, 2019

A time for white wildflowers


Intricate white wildflowers are abundant during this time of the year. You see them lurking near sidewalks, roadsides, waste places, and ravines. Just like bright yellow Dandelions in early summer, these are considered a weed and an invasive species. But how can one ignore or hate such an elegant and extravagant beauty? 

I spotted a particularly dense field on a former golf course near Freshco at Victoria Park Avenue and started taking snaps. I soon realized that each flower is a little bit different from the rest. Are they as unique as snowflakes? I am not sure about that but still, their great variety and diversity is nothing less than astounding.

Google tells me that probably most of these are just wild carrots. Although a number of related plants like Wild Chervil and Poison Hammock have almost identical blooms. Wild carrots can be identified by a single deep purple flower in the middle. These are also known by several monikers like bird's nest, bishop's lace, and Queen Anne's lace. The last one refers to its lace-like flower structure that was in vogue during the reign of Queen Anne in the early 18th century. I think it perfectly describes this ornate beauty and should be preferred over others.

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