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…]
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…]
Common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) isn’t listed in Haliburton Flora, but this rapidly growing Ontario native can be found in the south. The bark, especially characteristic on younger trees, is unique: This plant is in the same family as hops and cannabis. While I’m writing this I noticed a thread in my native plants group asking … [Read more…]
American silverberries or wolf-willow (Elaeagnus commutata) is Ontario’s native mealy sour silverberry shrub. It does somewhat resemble willow. There are several nonnatives around too. Japanese silverberry AKA Autumn olive (E. umbellata) is invasive around Ontario, especially to the south. I have spotted them in the wild to the south. In cottage country, it’s more of … [Read more…]
It may surprise folks that basic kitchen herbs and spices have any medicinal value. Thyme (Thymus spp.) is actually a powerful medicinal herb for respiratory issues and more. Wild thymes (Thymus spp.) have one species noted in Haliburton Flora: mother of thyme (T. praecox). The few specimens were found on an open hillside and in … [Read more…]
Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium syn. Epilobium angustifolium) derives its common name from colonizing the charred sites of wildfires. It’s an edible and medicinal plant that is native to Ontario. I’ll be changing the graphic to Chamaenerion angustifolium for its Latin name soon! Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium) is common along roadsides, in logged bush, and in fire scourged … [Read more…]