Eastern Daisy Fleabane (Erigeron annuus)

Eastern Daisy Fleabane can be found  throughout most of the United States and much of Canada. It's also native to these areas but has been naturalized in many other places in the world. It's another common weed while growing up that I just thought of as a daisy. I'm sure I picked a few of theses as a kid as well. I have read that the leaves are edible when boiled but it's said to be toxic to cows and goats. Another warning I read is that pregnant women should not consume it. It can possibly cause miscarriage. I'm no expert so always it's good to research plants thoroughly before considering them as an edible or used medicinally. Europeans at one time believed that the odor of this plant would repel fleas as the name would suggest. The starlings line their nests with Daisy Fleabane to keep mites away and it was mixed with bedstraw by the early European settlers to keep bugs out of mattresses. Another interesting fact is that it is said to help prevent fungus infections in strawberry plants. The native Americans used this plant and it's roots in treating colds, coughs, headaches, as an astringent, diuretic and much more.  As for me and at the moment I'll just enjoy it's beauty. I'm continuing to learn and discover more about the creation God placed where I am. I look at plants, weeds and wildflowers with new understanding. Take a look around and discover God's creation where you are. 

Eastern Daisy Fleabane  (Erigeron annuus)

Eastern Daisy Fleabane Leaves  (Erigeron annuus)

Eastern Daisy Fleabane  (Erigeron annuus)

Eastern Daisy Fleabane  (Erigeron annuus)

Eastern Daisy Fleabane  (Erigeron annuus)

Eastern Daisy Fleabane  (Erigeron annuus)

Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)

I never noticed the Red Buckeyes growing in the woods behind our house until the past few years. I'm sure they've been there for a while though. It's a small tree or shrub that's native to the south and parts of the eastern United States. They can grow up to 26 feet but these are no where near that height. Many of them are over my head and some are smaller than I am. Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the red flowers and I even took a few pictures today of a ladybug sitting on one. This is not a plant for my wild edible list because they do contain saponins which are poisonous to humans. Saponins are glycosides and have a foaming characteristic. Because of this soap has and can be made from the roots of this plant and a black dye can be made from the wood. It does have fruit and seeds inside that appear later but are not to be eaten. It has been one year since I started to write these blogs. I thought by now I would have written and discovered all the plants, wildflowers and butterflies in this area. I now can see my journey will continue as I'm Discovering God's Creation where I live. Take time to discover the creation God placed where you are and most important get to know the Creator of it all. 

 Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)

 Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)

 Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)

 Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)

 Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)

 Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)

 Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)

 Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)

 Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)

 Red Buckeye Leaf  (Aesculus pavia)

 Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)

 Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)