Often called melilot, our sweet clovers (Melilotus spp.) are a settler imported edible and medicinal plant. But you’re going to need to be careful about mold. And you might want to report it. Around here white sweet clover (Melilotus alba) is common. We also have yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis), identical in uses, but uncommon … [Read more…]
Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) is another settler import to North America with a longstanding edible and medicinal history. But keep reading because things have gotten complicated due to health concerns about one of the constituents. Coltsfoot has gone out of vogue for a couple reasons. Firstly, antihistamines and new cough syrups surpassed “coughwort” in popularity. And … [Read more…]
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) is a sunny medicinal and edible wild plant. In the past, it was falsely blamed for hayfever allergies, which are actually caused by ragweed. As a medicinal plant, goldenrod can actually be used to treat allergies! Latin solidare means to join or make whole, and when you come upon the medicinal tags … [Read more…]
While most folks know sunflower (Helianthus spp.) is edible, did you know it’s a medicinal plant as well? Sunflower is another garden escapee around Haliburton, Ontario, or a bird feeder escapee. Native woodland sunflower (Helianthus stumosus) is a rarity in our area. The header image is an nonnative ashy sunflower, a picture I took in … [Read more…]
Pineapple-weed (Matricaria discoidea) is an easy to identify introduced edible “weed” that locals have probably noticed in their driveways if not paved. It’s also called wild chamomile, which is more alluring on the medicinal side of naming. I suppose “pineapple” triggers a thirst for learning about its edible qualities. I would rather have titled this … [Read more…]
Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) is a wild edible and medicinal plant that grows too close to water hemlock for the comfort of many. Although they look nothing like each other! Also note marsh marigold across the Atlantic is a different plant. Early spring, when wild food is slim pickings, pollinators and foragers alike can find … [Read more…]