In Chippewa, ga’gawan’dagisid meaning deceptive, common junipers “berries” aren’t as sweet as they appear. (I’m not actually sure that is why deceptive is the descriptive name.) But common juniper is still an edible and medicinal plant, especially popular in Northern Europe. In Haliburton, Ontario you’ll find var. depressa Pursh. It’s been fairly common around here, especially dotting […]
Tag Archives: Diuretic
Ox-eye Daisy – Leucanthemum Vulgare: Beloved Daisy of Edible & Medicinal Wild Plants
Does anyone know an Anishinaabemowin word for ox-eye daisy? Commonly seen woven into a crown on the heads of ethereally dressed children in aesthetic photography.. who knew this familiar flower is edible and medicinal too? This plant is so neglected in my herbal library. Yet it’s one of the first plants many young folks will […]
Common Elderberry – Sambucus Canadensis: Pharmacy of Edible & Medicinal Wild Plants
Does anyone have an Anishinaabemowin word for elder? Common elderberry is possibly the epitome of edible and especially of medicinal wild plants. If I had to pick one, elder is The One. Its been called “a medicine chest of its own” and “a pharmacy of its own”. I’m excited to finally cover elderberry! I use […]
Beaked Hazel – Corylus Cornuta: Nut of Edible & Medicinal Wild Plants
In Chippewa, one word for hazel is bagan‘, which means nuts, burs or wood. Beaked hazel or hazelnut is our local edible and medicinal filbert. And it can be used just the same as the store bought one! Like many related (and similarly leaved) trees and shrubs, you’ll find them most along the edges. If […]
Hawthorn – Crataegus SPP.: Heart Herb of Edible & Medicinal Wild Plants
In Chippewa, thornapple is called mine’saga’wunj, meaning “having fruit and also spikes.” No other shrub in Canada has these awl like thorns. Hawthorn, despite its thorny appearance, is both an edible and strongly medicinal plant. Be very careful with the thorns – don’t poke your eye out! They are scary sharp! Northern shrikes have been […]
Lady’s-Thumb – Polygonum Persicaria: Buckwheat of Edible & Medicinal Wild Plants
Does anyone have an Anishinaabemowin word for lady’s-thumb? A type of buckwheat, lady’s-thumb is a common garden “smartweed” here. It’s a smart beginner wild edible and medicinal green because of the distinguished triangular purple spot on the leaf making it easily identifiable. Syn. persicaria maculosa. Check out the nice, clearest “thumb”print, bottom-left: Edible Uses of […]