Cow Vetch is an herbaceous, non-native perennial in the Pea family. It is now listed as an invasive species here in Ontario so I’m sure my friend Tyler is rolling his eyes or groaning (or both!) as he reads this. It is in full bloom at this time of year and is truly a glorious site!
“Cow Vetch” — because it was brought to Ontario by European pioneers as their preferred livestock forage crop.
“Bird Vetch” — because the purple flowers have a “wing” on each side.
‘Though strictly taboo, it does redeem itself somewhat by playing host to thousands upon thousands of pollinators.
Fun fact: In the Victorian language of flowers, Cow Vetch symbolises fidelity.
Common Eastern Bumblebee (Bombus impatiens)
In Her Sunday Best
A wash of violet in the sun,
Where tangled, boardwalk ribbons run.
The ground in purple silk is dressed
To greet us in her Sunday best.
Where fuzzy bodies drift and dive,
Working to keep their queen alive.
A tiny, buzzing, golden grace,
In every little purple space.
The marshlands breathe a quiet sigh,
Beneath a wide and open sky.
They know that, there beside the stream,
They nurture every wildlife dream.
’Til next time, y’all…
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