In Chippewa, ma’zana’tig refers to thistles. Despite the popular name Canada thistle, this edible and medicinal plant is not native to Canada. Yup, Canada thistle isn’t from Canada. But it’s common along roadsides and I’ve found it taking over old fields as well. Canada thistles delicate purple-ish flowerheads make it less likely to confuse with burdock …
Tag Archives: F:Purple
Blue Vervain – Verbena Hastata: Tranq of Edible & Medicinal Wild Plants
Does anyone know an Anishinaabemowin word for blue vervain? This edible and medicinal plant is highly valued for its tranquilizing effect on the nervous system. Ontario’s native blue vervains are pollinator friendly beauties. Finding blue vervain in the wild around Haliburton is uncommon, although possible along the roadside or in a field or meadow. Even …
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Heal-All – Prunella Vulgaris: Another Woundwort of Edible & Medicinal Wild Plants
In Chippewa, name’wuskons, selfheal or heal-all is another edible and medicinal wild plant from the mint family. It doesn’t really heal-all, but it’s still a well rounded astringent plant with many uses. We have a mix of European and native selfheal in Ontario. Common around Haliburton, you’re most likely to find it in your lawn. …
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Violet – Viola SPP.: The Pretty Little Things of Foraged Edible & Medicinal Wild Plants
In Chippewa, wewaîe’bûgûg is the word for American dog violet in particular. Violets are aplenty around here and all are edible and medicinal. Happily, the plant is unharmed by picking the flowers. However, some violets are rare so do take the usual proper precautions in ID-ing and monitoring your wild plant allies. While you’d probably only …
Jack-In-The-Pulpit – Arisaema Triphyllum: Burning Sensation of Edible & Medicinal Wild Plants
In Ojibwe, caca’ gomîn, Jack-in-the-pulpit is a scorching edible and medicinal plant that requires patience and expertise to utilize. It’s not for the beginner forager or herbalist. Despite names like Indian or pepper turnip and Starchwort, Jack-in-the-pulpit isn’t just some root you can dig up like burdock and have at. The roots are covered in …
Common Milkweed – Asclepias Syriaca: The Monarch of the Edible & Medicinal Wild Plants
In Chippewa, ini’niwunj meaning “man like”, common milkweed is a monarch of the edible and medicinal wild plant kingdom. Let’s cultivate this king of herbs for the butterflies more than we eat it, please! Milkweeds folk names are somewhat all over the place, as there are tons of varieties, and many probably don’t refer mainly …