Wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) is one of the first berries to ripen, around the start of summer in cottage country, Ontario. It’s the “queen berry” of our edible and medicinal wild plants. I titled this entry with the main wild strawberry species you’ll find in abundance here, but we also have wood strawberry (F. vesca … [Read more…]
Wild lily-of-the-valley AKA Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense) is not a true lily. Wild lily-of-the-valley is of the Asparagaceae family (as of 2016). It’s an edible and medicinal plant, but be sure not to confuse it with true lily-of-the-valley! Another lookalike to be ware of is 3-leaved Solomon’s seal. Chipmunks are cute, but the alternative name … [Read more…]
Common junipers (Juniperus communis) “berries” aren’t as sweet as they appear. But common juniper is still an edible and medicinal plant, especially popular in Northern Europe. In Haliburton, Ontario, you’ll find J. communis var. depressa Pursh. It’s been fairly common around here, especially dotting open fields. With our forest taking back the land that was cleared it … [Read more…]
Common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is possibly the epitome of edible and especially of medicinal wild plants. If I had to pick a favorite medicinal plant, elder is the one. Its been called “a medicine chest of its own” and “a pharmacy of its own”. I’m excited to finally cover elderberry! I use the syrup and … [Read more…]
Beaked hazel (Corylus cornuta) or hazelnut is our local edible and medicinal filbert. And it can be used just the same as the store bought one! Like many related (and similarly leaved) trees and shrubs, you’ll find them most along the edges. If you’re lucky, they’ll have their beaked fruits making their identity clear. Its … [Read more…]
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…]