York Regional Forest/ Nature Notes

Early July colour in the York Regional Forest

Black raspberries are ripening. No wonder the birds have been  singing with joy! Black raspberries (Rhubus occidentalis) are also good eating for humans, although in this forest they should be left for the wildlife.

In the upper left-hand corner, you can see red elderberries (Sambucua racemosa), many of which  have already been eaten by birds, rabbits and other small mammals. Wildlife get all of these! Uncooked these berries contain toxins humans should avoid.

The yellow flower is St. John's-wort (Hypericum perforatum), one of those plants people either love or hate. Many claim it's a weed and, for sure, it does spread like wildfire. On the other hand, it's also an herbal plant, extracts from which are used in lotions to heal cuts and burns. Moreover, extracts reportedly relieve rheumatism and depression.

The white flower is thimbleweed (Anemone virginiana), which are small flowers (1-inch across) on long stems (2 to 3 feet high).

Orange devil's paintbrush (Pilosella aurantiaca) is a lower-growing plant, usually about a foot high.  Sometimes invasive, in the York Regional Forest it seems well behaved.

The bottom photo is of maple leaves emerging at the top of a young tree. At first red, they turn green slowly as they mature.

For more Nature Notes,  please visit Michelle at Rambling Woods by clicking  HERE.