Free Wild Plant Identification eCourse You are out in the forest and looking at the glorious plant life surrounding you. Whether you are a beginner and have never identified one plant, or a Botany professor at a university, you might appreciate this refreshingly simple approach to plant identification. I remember lovingly (and sometimes screamingly) that my college classes in Systematic Botany required me to become acquainted with that local Washington Flora that we plant dorks call “Hitchcock and Cronquist”. I always felt a contradiction of rapt fascination and obsession, alternated with profound burnout, when trying to navigate this enormous dichotomous key! In addition, my observation skills as an ethnobotanist were refined , foraging for wild foods, fibers and medicine. After many years of this love affair with plants, I learned a new way to proceed in my plant identification journey that added a much-needed holistic element. What will I need? Meet a Plant Approach the plant of your choice and find a place to start.
Wild Medicinal Plants Archives | ETMarciniec.com Attention Wild Food Aficionados: Fall foraging forges forward, and by that alliteration I mean to say that foraging for wild food “has not yet ended” this fall, so don’t put away your scissors or your plastic knives or your bare hands just yet! Just yesterday I came across some fabulous fall dandelion greens in the Colorado high country despite its notoriously short growing season. They were growing amidst the deep, down-trodden grass at the base of willows lining an old mining road, and some were nearly as long as an arm! Up here, anywhere the miners and their mules once trod is a good place to look for dandelions. Continue reading Heads up, blog readers, especially those of you interested in wild edible plants–I have an exciting announcement to make! New Wild Food Girl site: Etmarciniec.com is now the proud parent of a new baby bloglet dedicated solely to the topic of wild edible and medicinal plants as well as other wild food. What happens to the old content? -Erica Continue reading ).
Elderberry Folklore The Elder Tree was supposed to ward off evil influence and give protection from witches, a popular belief held in some cultures. If an elder tree was cut down, a spirit known as the Elder Mother would be released and take her revenge. The tree could only safely be cut while chanting a rhyme to the Elder Mother. The most powerful wand in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a wand made of sambucus known as the “Elder Wand”. In some regions, superstition, religious belief, or tradition prohibits the cutting of certain trees for bonfires, most notably in Witchcraft customs the Elderberry tree; “Elder be ye Lady’s tree, burn it not or cursed ye’ll be” –A rhyme from an Oral tradition. otanical Name: Sambucus Nigra Common Name: Black Elder, European Elder Elderberry (Sambucus nigra [Latin]), also called elder flower, is a tree that bears cream-colored flowers followed by dark purple berries in autumn. However, it is the flowers and berries of this tree that are most often used medicinally.
Eat The Weeds by Green Deane, the most watched forager in the world Identify That Plant: Master The Skill Of Plant Identification Herbal Directory: Penn State Univ. Information on common herbs for cultivation and culinary purposes. Herbs are classified by their use - aromatic, cosmetic, culinary, decorative, dye, medicinal and ornamental. Important Disclaimer The information shared freely on these pages is meant for cultivation of the crops and for culinary use only. Other uses are simply noted, so that readers are aware that they exist. Contact Michael Orzolek, Professor of Vegetable Crops The Herb directory was developed by Keppy Arnoldsen, Aimée Voisin and Jen Johnson under the guidance of Dr.
Healing Stinging Nettle Everyday Carry Wildflowers & Weeds: Learn To Identify Wildflowers With Botany In A Day Wild Edibles: How to Eat Common Milkweed Disclaimer: Eating certain wild plants can be deadly!! Be certain to consult a professional (or a really good field guide) in order to positively identify this plant before trying this for yourself. The owners of this site will not be held responsible for any lapses in judgment or stupidity when handling or consuming wild plants. Milkweed is one of those plants that I have fond memories for. As a young boy I used to love opening the late summer seed pods to feel the silky soft down inside and watch the wind catch it as I would toss one after the other in the air. I’m sure I was the bane of the nearby farmer since a good amount of the seed would land on his fields. In my late teens and early 20s, when I was big into practicing wilderness survival skills, I would often use the outer fibers on the stalk to make a serviceable cordage (I still enjoy doing this) and I learned to use the seed down but it wasn’t until I was a bit older that I learned how wonderful this plant is as a wild edible.
Oregon grape | Wildfoodsandmedicines Our modern palate oscillates between the addictive flavors of salty and sweet, but we have lost an essential ingredient to optimal health: bitter plants. They are so rare in our diet that many people cannot name anything with bitterness except coffee. Historically, humans valued bitters for their digestive stimulating and medicinal properties. Oregon grape is a quintessential bitter plant that has the capacity to cleanse, clarify and enliven body and spirit. Lame name: Mahonia spp. Oregon grape is in the barberry or Berberidaceae family Identifying Oregon Grape: We have two species of Oregon grape in our region – tall Oregon grape (M. aquifolia) grows to 8 feet tall and dwarf or dull Oregon grape (M. nervosa) grows just a few feet tall. M. nervosa M. aquifolia Where it Grows: Oregon grapes are northwest perennials that are prized for their beauty and heartiness. When and How to Harvest: Deep blue berries are usually ripe from July to September. Eating Oregon Grape Berries Other Uses: