While we have other thorny trees, no other “shrub” in Canada has these awl like thorns. Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), 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 seen impaling their dinner … [Read more…]
Willow (Salix spp.) is an edible, mostly medicinal and heavily utilized plant. Its powerful component salicin was synthesized to make the well known OTC medicine Aspirin. “Sal lis” means “near water”. And our many Haliburton waters are surrounded by salix species! The marshes I visit for birding and herping are filled with a wide variety … [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…]
Not a true cranberry, highbush cranberry (Viburnum opulus) 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. In the wild, I almost 100% find the European version here instead of the native species. Our county is full … [Read more…]
Called nsidaiindamowin mshkiki by Joe from Creators Garden, “depression medicine”, St. John’s-wort (Hypericum perforatum) is worthy of the happy little Bob Ross reference. It’s an edible and renown medicinal plant. Locals especially, check Joe out! He’s in Peterborough area. While picking common for the title plant, I could just as well go all out hypericum … [Read more…]
In Anishinaabemowin, mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is sometimes called waabooyaanibag (blanket leaf). Its uses are blanketly more medicinal than edible. But you can eat the delicate yellow flowers too! Mullein’s folk names include but are not limited to flannel leaf (leaves stuffed in shoes for warmth), tinder plant/torches/torch-wort, candlewick (dried stems used to be dipped in … [Read more…]