Hickories (Carya spp.) are diverse and native, but not very abundant in our area of Ontario. They are part of the walnut family and more edible than medicinal. Hickories (Carya spp.), like the shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) sapling that’s pictured and bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis), are two of the four most common walnut family trees … [Read more…]
Common bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) is a popular edible, especially in the far east. But like most edible fiddleheads it’s complicated. Not preparing it thoroughly may be linked to stomach cancer. Common bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) is traditionally edible and medicinal in many places, but unfortunately a compound in it is potentially linked to stomach cancer. It’s … [Read more…]
A favourite of porcupines, hemlock is a tree that’s beneficial to countless wildlife. It also has many edible, medicinal and craft uses. Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) can be found in moist hardwood forests. I know people hereabouts with a mature hemlock forest for a backyard. On the 100 acre I frequent, I’ve had to go … [Read more…]
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 … [Read more…]