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 …
Continue reading “Blue Vervain – Verbena Hastata: Tranq of Edible & Medicinal Wild Plants”
Does anyone know an Anishinaabemowin name for ghost pipe? Or an indigenous owned site that tells its story? An herb most will mistake for a mushroom, this pale wildflower has forgone photosynthesis and can often be found in the darkest woods. It’s one of the many edible and medicinal plants that should probably be left …
Does anyone have an Anishinaabemowin word for mint? We’ll cover the edible and medicinal wild mint, peppermint and spearmint in this post. There are other mints I will cover separately: heal-all, catnip, wild bergamot, etc! Wild mint (mentha arvensis) and peppermint (mentha x piperita) are listed in Haliburton Flora, with wild mint being more common. …
Continue reading “Mint – Mentha SPP.: Freshest of Edible & Medicinal Wild Plants”
Does anyone have an Anishinaabemowin word for pineappleweed? 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 one Wild Chamomile, but I’m using the common names as seen in our local guidebook Haliburton …
In Ojibwe, aniibimin. Not a true cranberry, highbush cranberry is just as tart. It’s related to blueberries. Sometimes it’s called viburnum opulus var. americanum (trilobum). Opulus is the European relation, commonly called “guelder rose” in those parts. Our county is full of maple leafed looking plants. For instance, the literal maple-leaved viburnum (viburnum acerifolium). Highbush has …
In Chippewa, wigub’imij, basswood is also called bee-tree, lime-tree, and linden*. It’s an amazing woodcarving material, and those familiar with just that aspect might be surprised at basswood’s edible and medicinal qualities! Plus, bees! *It’s not the same tree as European Linden but the uses are mirrored. Bee lovers, hear, hear – Basswood blooms are …
Continue reading “Basswood – Tilia Americana: Bee Tree of Foraged Edible & Medicinal Wild Plants”
