Feeling the Blues

On a recent trip to Ontario, we were reminded why we like botanizing there more than in BC. Even in tiny roadside strips and in shallow ditches, plant species seem to jump out at you. On this trip, we did a lot of exploring around Simcoe County, not far from the great Minesing Swamp--a spectacular example of boreal fen bog. We didn't make it into the swamp itself but still managed to have some great finds as we explored the country roads in the area. The gentians below were found in tiny little strips of roadside wet meadows and adjacent ditches, both on the borders of the swamp and south of there. They stood out as we drove by, bright splashes of brilliant blue catching our eye as we drove past. Finding gentians is like finding a treasure chest filled with gemstones. And where you find gentians, the odds are you will find orchids. Sure enough, this particular spot was dotted with ladies tresses orchids (Spiranthes spp.), and other yummy wet meadow species: grass-of-parnassus (Parnassia glauca), slender false foxglove (Agalinus tenuifolia) and several goldenrod species.

Fringed Gentian (Gentiana crinita), Simcoe County, Ontario

Smaller Fringed Gentian (Gentiana procera), Ontario

Closed Gentian (Gentiana andrewsii), Simcoe County, Ontario

Visit the Gentian Research Network