Weedy flowering plants are growing in the lower valleys in the middle of summer, but next to lakes there are still a few types of interesting plants, like silverweed (Potentilla anserina) right at the shoreline.   It has single yellow cup-shaped flowers on leafless stems.   Silvery leaves form at the base of the plant and runners spread across the shoreline.

Quite a few lakes have hedgenettles (Stachys sp.) in flower not far from the water’s edge.

On the east side of the lake is a small gravelly beach separating the lake from a shallow marsh.   Oak-leaved Goosefoot (Oxybasis glauca) is an invasive plant in B.C. 

Just above the reeds and rushes were stands of Northern bugleweed (Lycopus uniflorus).   It is a flowering plant in the mint family.   Pairs of toothed leaves can be seen up the stem and white flowers form in the axils.   The plant is edible.

The flowers of the hedgenettles are showy, but there are many variations of Stachys so each sighting may vary.

It would be easy to miss the smaller flowers on the shorelines of lakes, but we spot them when we launch and land the kayaks and then walk the shorelines for a better look.

Each day brings new sightings and surprises are the norm for the observant.