Learn how wild herbs, shrubs, and trees are used for edible, medicinal, and craft purposes. Based east of the Rockies out of Haliburton, Ontario, Canada.
Tulip tree AKA tulip poplar AKA arbre aux lis (Liriodendron tulipifera) is only native to parts of southern Ontario, so it’s near native in Haliburton and it’s not listed in Haliburton Flora. A stunner, the flowers really do look like tulips: My pictures on this page are from a tulip tree in my eldest sisters backyard … [Read more…]
German chamomile alternately spelled camomile (Matricaria chamomilla syn. Matricaria recutita) is one of the few medicinal herbs that’s more of a household name. Although nonnative to Ontario, Canada, it’s an annual that isn’t much of a garden escapee. You’re unlikely to find it in the wild. And if you did find it, it’s likely near someone’s garden … [Read more…]
Watershield (Brasenia schreberi) is common around Haliburton, Ontario in still or slow flowing waters up to 1 m deep. Like lilypads, the leaves float on surface. They may also be confused with some species of pond leaves. The underside of the leaves are coated in slime. Edible Uses of Watershield The young leaves when still … [Read more…]
American sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is not listed in Haliburton Flora nor in VASCAN, but has been planted as an ornamental tree in southern Ontario. You may find it in some yards on your southern travels. It looks like some strange dainty leaved maple. But its closest native relation is witch hazel. Edible Uses of American … [Read more…]
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is not listed in Haliburton Flora, nor in many foraging books. But it is seedy and can escape cultivation. Plus, you may have it amongst your kitchen spices. Edible Uses of Coriander Hereabouts, dried coriander seed is a popular kitchen spice. It flavours many curries, meat dishes, breads and even liquor. The … [Read more…]
Red maple (Acer rubrum) is not just an icon on the Canadian flag. Its spring flowers are rich in nectar and sought by bees very early in spring when there are less resources. Willow is another very early bloomer. These trees and shrubs are vital for bees and other pollinators, despite the PR being stronger … [Read more…]