Does anyone have an Anishinaabemowin word for witch-hazel? Witch hazel is one of those edible and medicinal plants that many people have used frequently without even thinking once about herbal medicine. Witch hazel (hamamelis virginiana) isn’t listed in Haliburton Flora. We’re on the border of its natural distribution. It didn’t take off as an understory …
In Chippewa, odiga’dimanido’ refers to prairie redroot, New Jersey teas close relation. Both have red roots and thus redroot as a folk name. They have the same uses and host the same caterpillars. This edible and medicinal plant will certainly end up in our pollinator series for the Wood Folk Diaries! The shrub New Jersey tea …
Does anyone have an Anishinaabemowin word for fire cherry? We’ve covered almost every native cherry in Ontario and this, also called bird cherry for one, is no exception to the fact prunus spp. are fantastic for birds and other wildlife, and not just jam! Pin cherry / Fire cherry (prunus pensylvanica) was common along roadsides, …
In Chippewa, jo’minaga’wunj is the word for vitis vulpina the wild “fox grape”. In Ontario, you’ll find both wild grapes like riverbank grape and abandoned stretches of old cultivated vines. And they are all edible and medicinal. Wild grapevines (vitis SPP.) like riverbank grape (vitis riparia) are strangely absent from the plant index in Haliburton Flora. Their …
Dear Wood Folk, Have you seen a strange little hummingbird? Unlike most other moths, clearwing moths fly and feed during the daytime, mimicking a hummingbird. They’re not just hummingbird-like in their hours and nectar choices, but also in appearance, fast wingbeats and hovering. I remember the first time I saw one. I was sitting with …
In Chippewa, gaga’gimie, eastern hemlock is also called gaagaagiwanzh meaning “porcupine, his tree“. It’s a tree beneficial to countless wildlife with many edible, medicinal and craft uses. Eastern hemlock (tsuga canadensis) can be found in moist hardwood forests. I haven’t seen any on the 1 or the 100 acre I frequent, but I know people …