Collared Earthstar, Eastern Black Swallowtail, Wild Columbine, Dutchmans Breeches & Virgins Bower

Collared Earthstar ©Brian Popelier

Many species of mushrooms can be found all along the Trail and they come in all shapes and sizes. This one is aptly named and is often nestled in the leaf litter of hardwood forests. Dont try and eat it as it is inedible.

Eastern Black Swallowtail ©Brian Popelier

This is a common butterfly in Ontario that can be found feeding in meadows on thistles, coneflowers, clovers and milkweeds but they lay their eggs on Wild Carrot.

Wild Columbine ©Brian Popelier

Aquillegia canadensis loves to grow on the rocky slopes of the escarpment. The flowers are attractive and colourful and attract bumblebees and hummingbirds to pollinate them.

Dutchmans Breeches ©Brian Popelier

The white flowers of this plant actually look like upside down pants hence the common name. Forest floors and wooded slopes along the Bruce Trail are the preferred habitat of this uniquely flowered plant.

Virgins Bower ©Brian Popelier

This is a vine in the Buttercup family which produces a multitude of white flowers in late summer. The plant is toxic and was used by native americans to induce strange dreams.