Catalpa Tree Flowers

Catalpa Tree Flowers

Northern Catalpa Tree, Catalpa speciosa, Commonly called Catawba, is a genus of flowering plants in the trumpet vine family, Bignoniaceae, this is a tree that demands your attention. It produces clusters of large, trumpet-shaped, white, showy, somewhat fragrant, flowers in May and June, and begins flowering about 7 years after planting. With Giant heart-shaped leaves, dangling bean-like seed pods, and uniquely twisting trunk and branches, the northern catalpa grows to a height of 40–60' and a spread of 20–40' at maturity. Full sun and partial shade are best for this tree. Due to their large leaf size, Catalpas provide very dark shade and are a popular habitat for many birds, providing them good shelter from rain and wind. These trees have very little limb droppage, but drop large, dark brown bean pods that are 8–20" long and ¼–½" wide, starting out green and turning brownish as they ripen, during late summer. They are filled with numerous, 1" long seeds that are fringed at the ends.

The bean-like seed pod is the origin of the alternative names Indian Bean Tree and Cigar Tree for Catalpa bignonioides and Catalpa speciosa.

The tree is the sole source of food for the Catalpa Sphinx moth (Ceratomia catalpae), the leaves being eaten by the caterpillars.

THANKS FOR YOUR VISITS, FAVS AND COMMENTS. AS ALWAYS, APPRECIATED VERY MUCH!  © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY ELISE T. MARKS. PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS IMAGE ON WEBSITES, BLOGS OR ANY OTHER MEDIA WITHOUT MY EXPLICIT WRITTEN PERMISSION.

Reservoir View

Reservoir View Another Day In Paradise!

It was a beautiful breezy day. 

THANKS FOR YOUR VISITS, FAVS AND COMMENTS. AS ALWAYS, APPRECIATED VERY MUCH!  © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY ELISE T. MARKS. PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS IMAGE ON WEBSITES, BLOGS OR ANY OTHER MEDIA WITHOUT MY EXPLICIT WRITTEN PERMISSION.

Bees Like Lilacs Too

Bees Like Lilacs Too

The lilac flowers go by so fast. I wish they lasted much longer. My Favorite Scent Of Spring.

THANKS FOR YOUR VISITS, FAVS AND COMMENTS. AS ALWAYS, APPRECIATED VERY MUCH!

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY ELISE T. MARKS. PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS IMAGE ON WEBSITES, BLOGS OR ANY OTHER MEDIA WITHOUT MY EXPLICIT WRITTEN PERMISSION.

Creeping Speedwell

Creeping speedwell

Veronica filiformis is a species of flowering plant in the genus Veronica. It is known by many common names, including slender speedwell, creeping speedwell, threadstalk speedwell, and Whetzel weed. It is native to eastern Europe and western Asia.

THANKS FOR YOUR VISITS, FAVS AND COMMENTS. AS ALWAYS, APPRECIATED VERY MUCH!

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY ELISE T. MARKS. PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS IMAGE ON WEBSITES, BLOGS OR ANY OTHER MEDIA WITHOUT MY EXPLICIT WRITTEN PERMISSION.

False Solomon's Seal

False Solomon's Seal Ready To Bloom

 False Solomon's Seal Ready To Bloom

  False Solomon's Seal Blooming

False Solomon's Seal

Maianthemum racemosum

Common name(s): false Solomon’s seal, Solomon’s plume, false spikenard, feathery false Solomon’s-seal, feathery false lily-of-the-valley
A native woodland plant that produces long, arching stems, and creamy white flowers in fluffy clusters, at the ends of the stems in spring. After flowering, small, pea-size berries develop that turn red in late summer. 

Magical Attributes

This plant is a true survivor and often the first to return after a forest fire. Use it to help you get through hard times and to rebuild after your world has come crashing down.

Healing Attributes

In traditional medicine the dried roots of false Solomon's seal can be used to brew a tea to treat coughs and constipation. Chemicals in the roots act as expectorants and mucous softening agents. A leaf tea of the plant can be used topically to treat rashes and reduce itching.

The smoke of the root has been used to calm hysterics.

An infusion of the root has been used for constipation, rheumatism, inflamed eyes, as a general stomach tonic, and to regulate women's cycles.
 An infusion of the leaf has been used as birth control- 1/2 cup per day for no more than a week is said to prevent conception. 
A decoction of the leaf is said to be useful for colds and rheumatism, 1 cup 2-3 times per day.

Externally, the root relieves pain, has antiseptic qualities and stops bleeding. The dried powdered root is a useful thing to have on hand for first aid. The crushed, fresh root makes a soothing poultice for strains, sprains, boils, arthritis and swellings.

Culinary Use

The berries are edible and bittersweet but large quantities have a laxative affect. This may be removed by cooking. Young leaves are edible but considered relatively unpalatable. They may be eaten raw or cooked and the young shoots may be eaten like asparagus. In small quantities, cleaned rhizomes can be consumed. The root should be soaked in a bowl of water with a few teaspoons of baking soda added for several hours before cooking.

MY PHOTOGRAPHS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE THROUGH ELISECREATIONS.ARTFIRE.COM

THANKS FOR YOUR VISITS, FAVS AND COMMENTS. AS ALWAYS, APPRECIATED VERY MUCH!

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY ELISE T. MARKS. PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS IMAGE ON WEBSITES, BLOGS OR ANY OTHER MEDIA WITHOUT MY EXPLICIT WRITTEN PERMISSION.

Disclaimer

My blog is meant to inform and I strive to be totally accurate. It is solely up to the reader to ensure proper plant identification. Some wild plants are poisonous or can have serious adverse health effects.

Joel Sussmann’s presentation to the Toronto Board of Health

Don't blindly trust the C.D.C. and W.H.O.