Docks – Rumex SPP.: Edible & Medicinal Uses of the Yellow Root of Wild Plants

Docks – Rumex SPP.

The nonnative yellow rooted docks, sour and bitter, have a long history of medicinal use. We have a couple dozen (native and nonnative) edible and medicinal docks. Last week’s sheep sorrel is a Rumex species too, but docks stand alone. There are at least 26 species spotted on iNat for Ontario. The three docks listed …

Read more

Pearly Everlasting – Anaphalis Margaritacea: Edible & Medicinal Uses of the Moonshine of Wild Plants

Pearly Everlasting – Anaphalis Margaritacea

Pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea) is a unique looking edible and medicinal plant. While not used much these days for food or medicine, it’s still a hit for American Lady butterflies and florists alike. Pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea) is especially common along roadsides and damp ditches. It’s named for its pearly colored flower bracts. Silver leaf, …

Read more

Stinging Nettle – Urtica Dioica: Edible & Medicinal Uses of the Misunderstood Prickly Wild Plant

Stinging Nettle - Urtica Dioica

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) tends to make a bad impression on first meeting, as the name suggests. But there’s way more to this needled edible and medicinal plant. The sting never lasts long for me, but I’ve heard of it lasting for days for a rare unlucky few. It’s recommended you wear gloves to harvest …

Read more

Staghorn Sumac – Rhus Typhina: Edible & Medicinal Uses of the Lemonade Tree of Wild Plants

Staghorn Sumac - Rhus Typhina

Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) is the “lemonadiest” and most vinegary of edible and medicinal shrubs. Staghorn sumac has been called the vinegar tree and the lemonade tree as its juice can be used as a substitute for vinegar or lemon juice. The “staghorn” part comes from the velvety branches that somewhat resemble antlers. You’ll see …

Read more

Burdocks Ft. Greater Burdock – Arctium Spp.: An Edible & Medicinal Wild Plant That’ll Stick With You

Burdocks Ft. Greater Burdock - Arctium Spp.

In Chippewa, wiisagibag meaning bitter leaf, also wiisagijiibik meaning bitter taproot and gi’ masan meaning big stickers. Common burdock is an edible and medicinal wild plant that will stick with you. It’s a favorite of mine! Burdock’s (Arctium spp.) folk names are predominately along the lines of burr-this or that-burr, like burrseed for instance. Which …

Read more