Discovering His Creation: May 2014

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Musk Thistle Nodding Thistle (Carduus Nutans)

At first glance I was hoping this thistle (I found on the side of the road in my neighborhood) was a Milk Thistle but they're not so common where I live. My youngest son and I dug it up and moved it to our backyard yesterday. This thistle is considered a noxious weed by many and all those prickles can be absolutely painful ! We had some of these in our backyard in the 1990's from some flower seeds someone gave us. I loved the purple flowers but hated being stuck all the time and was glad when they didn't come back up. I now will welcome it's return at least for a while anyway. Musk Thistle or Nodding Thistle is not native to the United States but has been recorded here as far back as 1852 in Pennsylvania . It's in the Aster family and is edible. If you have patience to cut away all those prickles on the stalk that is. :) The stalks must be harvested when still young. It's also said that seeds can be used as a liver detoxifying agent. They contain linoleic acid which could also benefit in the prevention of atherosclerosis. Maybe I'll taste this in the future but today I'll just admire the purple flower. God's creation is growing all around us. Are you discovering it ?

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Matthew 7:16

Musk Thistle Nodding Thistle (Carduus Nutans)

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Chicory (Cichorium Intybus)

Chicory might be my favorite plant growing in my yard but hard to choose. I love the color of the flowers. The fact that it's edible, nutritious and medicinal adds to my love for it also. The story of how it came to grow in my yard is the same as the one I shared about the Orange Daylilies . (If you haven't read that blog go check it out.) They were somewhat of a birthday present during a time of extreme financial distress around 2001-2003 . I can't remember the exact year though. My sons pulled them up from the side of the road and we planted them in the backyard. They have multiplied and flourish even though I haven't taken great care of them. They also love coming up where I didn't plant them in the cracks of the driveway and the concrete in the back. Sometimes I just let them grow there anyway. :)
There is much to tell about Chicory but I hope to keep all this information brief and to the point. Maybe I should just start from the roots and go up. Chicory root can be roasted and ground to make a coffee substitute and it does not contain caffeine. It's roots contain high levels of inulin which promotes beneficial bacteria in the intestine. Because of this it's been used as a probiotic. It's rich in fiber and also said to lower cholesterol and blood sugar.
There are a number of uses medicinally for Chicory. I'm not a doctor nor an expert but I'm learning and sharing this information that could be beneficial to someone. Some uses for Chicory are : Constipation, Liver disorders, Gallbladder Disorders, Cancer, Skin Inflammation, Loss of Appetite, Upset Stomach and a few more. The oils in Chicory are said to be good at eliminating intestinal worms.
One cup of Chicory leaves contain 0.1 grams of fat and It also contains vitamins A,C,E,K and Folate. Minerals such as Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese are also present. Sounds like a good plant to add to your diet. I've tried it in a salad and think it's good.
As with any new plant though always be cautious of food allergies and be well informed before trying.
Chicory is a beautiful herb that some might call a weed but I call it a blessing. Let's open our eyes and discover our Father's creation.

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; Psalms 104:14

Chicory (Cichorium Intybus)

Chicory Leaves (Cichorium Intybus)

Chicory L;eaves(Cichorium Intybus)

Chicory (Cichorium Intybus)

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Field Garlic (Allium Vineale)

Not sure how but Field Garlic snuck it's way in with Pink Evening Primrose, Gladiolas, Lemon Balm and a few other things. I wondered what it was last year and let it grow. I did taste it and it does have a garlic flavor. This garlic is not native to here but is to Europe,North Western Africa and South Western Asia. In North America and Australia it's considered an invasive species. I see why as quickly as it's spread in a small spot in the backyard. They say it can cause bad tasting milk if eaten by cows. No cows in my backyard at last check but the list of brave animals who are seen back there are growing. It contains vitamin B and folic acid and can possibly help lower blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. Nice to know it's here if I need it. I am a garlic fan and a fan of Discovering His Creation !

Field Garlic (Allium Vineale)

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

White Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium Albidum )

I haven't noticed White Blue-Eyed Grass growing in the yard until the past few years. It possibly could have been here much longer but maybe I confused it with the Bluets. It's native to my state of Alabama and a member of the Iris family. A very tiny member I would say. :) There are many other species not native to my state located throughout the United State and Canada and they differ in color. It really is beautiful when you see it enlarged as the pictures I took on here. Other varieties in the Blue-eyed family have been used medicinally by the Native Americans, the roots in teas too. I'm sure there is more to be learned on this little creation as others I'm now learning about on a daily basis.

Blue Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium Albidum )

Orange Daylily (Hemerocallis Fulva)

The Orange Daylily is no stranger to my neighborhood. I grew up seeing them even next door to me but these we didn't plant in the backyard until 2001-2003 ? . I can't remember exactly. Around the time of my birthday we were seeing these on the side of the road and not near my home though. This was during a time where we had extreme financial difficulties after my Daddy had passed in 2000. We obviously weren't spending money for birthday gifts but this gift that came that year was uniquely special. Since we would pass by the Orange Daylilies and Chicory often on the side of the road I asked my sons to pull a few up to take home and plant. From just a few my sons got that day they have really spread along with the Chicory. A beautiful gift that blooms every year around my birthday and one I remember with joy. :)
The Orange Daylily is native to Asia and it was imported to the United States in the 1600's It's is edible and the flower can be eaten raw, in salads or some even batter and fry them . The tubers are also edible. The flowers contain iron, vitamin c and beta carotene. A word of warning though some people do have allergic reactions to Daylilies which could include nausea and vomiting. So if trying them for the first time I would suggest only a few bites. If all goes well then you are now open to a world of recipes and dishes. Daylilies are also said to have medicinal properties and have been used in Chinese medicine for more than 2000 years. The Daylily has added beauty to my yard but now as I discover more about God's creation valuable information has been added .

Orange Daylily (Hemerocallis Fulva)

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Little Sweet Betsy, Large Toadshade (Trillium Cuneatum)

Trillium is a interesting little plant that grows in the woods near our home. Almost 2 months ago now my son and I took pictures of it. I remember it being there years ago but forgot about it since I haven't been to the trail where this was in years. It took me a while to make a decision as to which variety this was. It's almost as confusing as to which name to call it, Little Sweet Betsy, Large Toadshade, Purple Toadshade, Whip-poor-will flower and Bloody Butcher. Talk about two extremes "Little Sweet Betsy" or "Bloody Butcher". I think I'll just stick with Little Sweet Betsy. :) Trillium are in the Lilly family and the leaves are said to be edible raw or cooked. I haven't tasted any there are only a few near here.They are almost covered over now with Virginia Creeper so I keep my distance. One variety of Trillium are endangered in my state of Alabama the Relict Trillium (Trillium Reliquum). There are many varieties of Trillium and much beauty with each. Another plant has been added to my list and new information as I continue to discover my Heavenly Father's creation.

(Trillium Cuneatum) Little Sweet Betsy

(Trillium Cuneatum), Little Sweet Betsy

Friday, May 23, 2014

Venus' Looking Glass (Triodanis perfoliata)

Venus Looking Glass is an annual herb with small star shaped violet to purple flowers . There are several here and there in the yard that snuck in among the other flowers. One came up in a hanging flower basket that's just sitting around outside. I decided to pull the other weeds out of it and let that one grow. I think the purple flowers are a beauty at any size and one of my favorite colors. :) The leaves are said to be edible but not much information available as to it being medicinal . I did find a few references to it being used by Native Americans in the past though. Today I will just admire the beauty I've found in another of God's creation.

Venus' Looking Glass (Triodanis perfoliata)

Striped Prince's Pine (Chimaphila Maculata)

This little plant I've noticed since a child and even when we first moved here I can remember seeing it. It hides in the woods behind our house shaded by many trees.The small flower buds look like they are bowing their heads maybe to the awesome Creator who made them. I will be watching with anticipation to see the buds open soon.This evergreen is native to Eastern North America and South America.The green leaves are white striped and almost look prickly. It's edible and also said to be medicinal. At one time it was used by Native Americans and had a number of uses. There aren't an abundance of these in my yard but a few scattered here and there. Some states have it as a protected species and Canada also. My eyes have come open to see what great things the Creator has placed in my own backyard. May your eyes come open to discover our Father's creation as well.

Striped Prince's Pine (Chimaphila Maculata)