Leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata) is common around Haliburton, Ontario, in bogs and on the edges of wetlands. This shrubby evergreen plant is often walked past, but if you notice it and get close you may see its white bell shaped flowers covered in ants. If you see leatherleaf, you’re in a wetland! The flowers may remind … [Read more…]
Currants (Ribes spp.) are spattered everywhere around Haliburton county, Ontario. Gooseberry was covered earlier this year and is also a Ribes. Here we’re covering the rest of our local currants. And there are many currant species, and they are all lookalikes. But these edible and medicinal shrubs aren’t the same “currant” you find dried like … [Read more…]
The nonnative yellow rooted docks, sour and bitter, have a long history of medicinal use. We have a couple dozen (native and nonnative) edible and medicinal docks. Last week’s sheep sorrel is a Rumex species too, but docks stand alone. There are at least 26 species spotted on iNat for Ontario. The three docks listed … [Read more…]
Swamp milkweed is not as edible and medicinal as its common relation. So we’re all the more talking about how much of an all-star this plant is for pollinator gardens and native landscaping. Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) can be found in the margins of swamps, marshes and other low wet areas. It’s not as prolific … [Read more…]
Boneset is a slightly edible and mainly medicinal plant. It’s also an underrated addition to pollinator gardens. Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) was common in damp areas when Haliburton Flora was compiled. However, I don’t see it very often now. Not as often as it’s look-a-like Joe-Pye weed. There is a slight resemblance to water hemlock, which … [Read more…]
Roses (Rosa spp.) are both edible and medicinal. They have a global epicurean history that surpasses other herbs we’ve covered. A rosy pink Turkish delight may come to mind. The floral taste may take some getting used to, like a fine wine often does. I love the flavor. We have a handful of wild roses … [Read more…]