Highbush Cranberry – Viburnum Opulus: Edible & Medicinal Uses of the Sour Patch of Wild Plants

Highbush Cranberry - Viburnum Opulus

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 …

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Balsam Fir – Abies Balsamea: Edible & Medicinal Uses of the Most Resin-ating of Wild Plants

Balsam Fir – Abies Balsamea

Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) is an edible and mostly medicinal tree that’s the closest local plant to frankincense that I know of, scent-wise. (But it’s not a sedative.) Its resin can also be used to make Balm of Gilead, mentioned in poplar posts. A little ecological history: When the fight against eastern spruce budworm vs …

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White Pine – Pinus Strobus: Edible & Medicinal Uses of Ontario’s Tallest Wild Plant

White Pine - Pinus Strobus

White pine (Pinus strobus) was the most towering of edible and medicinal plants here in Ontario 200 yrs ago. Imagine forests of 200-ft tall, 4-ft wide powerful evergreen medicine. This tree has so much life. It has the longest list of mammals and birds and insects allies that I have seen yet in my preparations …

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