Deptford Pinks
or Mountain Pinks
(Dianthus armeria)
Canada Mayflower
(Maianthemum canadense) is a low-growing wildflower which produces frothy white flowers in late spring and flourishes in mixed wood forests of the Northeast. It is a member of the Lily family (Liliaceae).
Vetch Tendrils With Cranes Bill Geraniums
Vicia is a genus of about 140 species of flowering plants that are part of the legume family (fabaceae), and which are commonly known as vetches.
Silene vulgaris, or Bladder Campion with purple vetch behind it. It is native to Europe but is also widespread in North America, where it is a common wildflower in meadows, open woods, and fields. The leaves and young shoots of Bladder Campion are edible, and they are used in salads and many other dishes in some Mediterranean countries. Plants of the genus Silene have roots that contain the compound saponin, which although a mildly toxic substance has long been used as soap for washing clothes, hair etc.
Wild Daisies
Oxalis Acetosella
Common Wood Sorrel
Jack In The Pulpit
Also known as Arisaema triphyllum, (jack-in-the-pulpit, bog onion, brown dragon, Indian turnip, American wake robin, or wild turnip).
Bittersweet Nitghtshade
Solanum dulcamara, also known as woody nightshade or European bittersweet, is a perennial vine, native to Europe and Asia, and widely naturalised around the world, including North America. Though toxic to people, bittersweet nightshade berries provide an important fall and winter food source for birds, who happily eat the fruit and spread the seeds. Bittersweet nightshade has a long history in folk medicine and lore. Used externally in poultices and salves, it was used to remedy psoriasis and other skin afflictions. Mixed with other herbs, small doses were given internally as a diuretic or a purgative—basically to flush the body one way or the other. Sachets of the dried leaves and berries placed under the pillow were said to help heal a broken heart. And witches, spurned lovers, and farmers alike sought out the plant to protect their animals, homes, and loved ones from the evil eye. Consider the appearance of this weed in your garden an auspicious omen, or at least a boon for our hungry winter birds.
Wild Pink Mallow, also called common mallow, or this might be Musk Mallow, Malva moschata, is in the mallow family along with hollyhock and hibiscus. Once highly regarded as a medicinal plant by Native Americans, they chewed on its tough root to clean their teeth. Common mallow was also used to treat wounds, toothaches, inflammations, bruises, insect bites or stings, sore throats and coughs as well as kidney or bladder infections. The leaves were bruised, then applied to the skin to draw out splinters, thorns and stingers. Common mallow root extracts were used to treat tuberculosis and new studies have found it to be an effective treatment for high blood sugar. As a natural astringent, anti-inflammatory and emollient, common mallow plants are used to soothe and soften skin. The leaves are edible raw or cooked, young leaves are more tender and less bitter than older leaves. The leaves were also used to thicken soups or stews. The seeds are edible raw and have a palatable, nut-like flavor. The young shoots are edible raw. Flower buds and flowers are edible. The fruits are edible. A paste was made of the roots that was then cooked like scrambled eggs. The seeds, raw or roasted, were eaten like nuts. In addition to it's health, beauty and culinary uses, common mallow is an important plant for pollinators.
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