Golden-spangled Lawns (II)

ada in the 19th Century on Prince Edward Island, then to have spread to the other Atlantic provinces, then into Quebec and later Ontario. Its patchy distribution is probably due to the prickly seeds hitching rides in the fur of mammals (and human clothing and artifacts), rather than spreading on wind-borne fluff, as Dandelions do.

by Fred Schueler, Fragile Inheritance Natural History

Back in 2020, I wrote up the way low-growing varieties of Lotus corniculatus, Bird's-foot Trefoil, were spreading yellow patches of bloom onto many midsummer local lawns (North Grenville Times, 5 August 2020).

Dandelions of course do this in the early spring, and this June a Dandelion-like flower is providing either a scattering of bloom or dense patches on many local lawns. I’ve seen this species for many years, especially on July trips to Almonte, but have only started to attend to it now as it’s becoming more widespread in North

Grenville. This is Pilosella officinarum, Mouse-ear Hawkweed, which is native to Europe and northern Asia. The blooms are dandelion-like, but a bright lemon-yellow colour and the flower rays are toothed at their ends. The small leaves are untoothed and hairy.

I’d previously noticed it in 1996 near Almonte, where there were fields in “retinaaltering lemon-meringueyellow bloom.” Unlike the single plants of Dandelions, Mouse-ear has spreading stems which grow out into circular patches, and with its low flat leaves, is credited with being able to exclude most other plants.

The species seems to have first shown up in Can-

Slow down for safety

A message from the North Grenville Police Services Board submitted by Jill Sturdy, Municipality of NG

The North Grenville Police Services Board is reminding drivers to slow down and follow the speed limits. Speeding is the number 1 cause of death on the roads.

“Speed is among the top concerns expressed by residents in recent years,” said Mayor Nancy Peckford. “Reducing speeds is one way we can improve road safety, along with other tools.”

The Municipality implemented a community-wide 40 km/h speed limit in the urban core of Kemptville and in rural subdivisions. Municipal roads through the rural hamlets have also implemented a 40km/hr limit.

“For the safety of all road users, drivers are reminded to follow the posted speed limits,” said Deputy Mayor John Barclay and Chair of the North Grenville Police Services Board. “This will keep our roads safe and avoid unnecessary fines and penalties.”

Excessive speed may lead to demerit points and significant fines. Stunt driving (driving in excess of 50 km/hr or more over the speed limit) will result in a 30-day licence suspension.

If residents wish to report a car that is speed-