VERY POISONOUS Spotted Water-hemlock

"Water hemlock is one of the most toxic plants known to man. All parts are extremely poisonous. It is closely related to the hemlock used to execute Socrates. Water hemlock is usually a large, highly branched plant growing to 8 feet tall in wet meadows, swamps, and shoreline thickets. However, they can be medium-sized, scraggly plants growing in floating mats of vegetation. Water hemlock occurs throughout Florida and flowers in the spring and summer. Water hemlock grows large, dome-shaped umbels of flowers. An umbel is made of many small flowers that are all attached, more or less at the same point. The flowers are tiny, white, and have 5 petals. The flower umbels are in long stalks that grow from leaf axels at the tips of the stems. Water hemlock leaves are large and double- or triple-compound. A triple-compound leaf has leaflets that make up larger leaflets, that make up even larger leaflets, that make up an entire large leaf. These compound leaves are often a foot or more long and 2 feet wide. These compound leaves are alternately arranged on the stem. The leaflets of water hemlock are lance-shaped and have coarse teeth around their margins. The stem is fleshy and hollow. It usually has purple stripes. Many species of aquatic plants have large clusters of white flowers. Some of these plants are considered edible. However, some, such as the water hemlock, are extremely toxic to humans and animals, and do cause death. Because these plants are easily confused, it is best to avoid all aquatic plants that have large clusters of white flowers." From Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants,
University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/cicuta-maculata/

This morning, I decided on the spur of the moment to finish off another recent bio-blitz, that took place in Black Diamond. I have several day trips coming up, so I wanted to catch up with at least a few unfinished days out before then. Bear with me.

On the morning of 7 July 2018, there was a good turnout for a bio-inventory walk in a woodland area in Black Diamond. Geoff Hoffner and Jean Gallant had invited us to go and explore this area, though they were a little concerned in case we didn't find it particularly interesting. Quite the contrary! It was a great morning, seeing so many species of plants, along with a few birds and even a few insects. I was thrilled to see three small, beautiful Cottonwood Leaf Beetles. It was a very hazy day, but the temperature was pleasant.

"Black Diamond, named after the high grade coal once mined here, maintains the traditional values of a small town community, where people care about their neighbors and work together to maintain a sense of pride and respect for one another, the town's history and its beautiful surroundings." From link below.

www.town.blackdiamond.ab.ca/251/Come-Visit

During our walk, we kept hearing a distant hawk, but we weren't sure if it was a Red-tailed or a Swainson's. Further along the trail, we were able to see a very high and very distant nest with one white, fluffy youngster visible - there may have been others, too. Mum/Dad flew over to the nest and then flew off and landed on top of a very tall coniferous tree, giving a chance for a quick shot or two.

Thanks so much, Geoff and Jean, for arranging this outing. We always enjoy visiting a new place and seeing what species can be found there. Always nice to come across people who are keen to find out more about where they live. Thanks, Dorothy and Stephen, for the much-appreciated ride. This was the first time I had ever seen this much of Black Diamond.