Discovering His Creation: edible

Showing posts with label edible. Show all posts

Monday, March 30, 2015

Dandelion (Taraxacum)

Dandelions are coming up everywhere this Spring and it seems like more than last year. It's not a wildflower I had to search to find the name of but one I've known and recognized most of my life. I can't say I knew all the facts about them though but I have learned a lot the past few years. Dandelions are native to North and South America and also Eurasia. The entire plant is edible, flowers, leaves and the root. They can be used in salads, teas and jellies. One danger to consider is that some people can be allergic to the pollen from the flower when eaten. Be well informed about any plant even those you might think are harmless if planning on trying as a edible. Dandelions contain vitamins A, C, K, D and also potassium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and manganese . They are very nutritious but most people think of them as just a weed with no benefit. They have been used medicinally to treat bile and liver problems and also as a diuretic. There was also a list of other medicinal uses I found on the internet. If interested do some research you might be surprised at what you discover. Another interesting fact I learned about dandelions is that they are one of the ingredients in root beer. They also secrete a wild type of latex when they are cut or broken. I didn't know that milky looking liquid was considered a natural source of rubber. There is so much to learn about what God placed here on the earth. His creation that is sometimes overlooked may be an answer to a sickness, problem or some other need. Get to know an awesome Creator and Discover His Creation with me as I learn about what He has placed in my small surroundings.

Dandelion (Taraxacum)

Dandelion (Taraxacum) leaves

Dandelion (Taraxacum)

Friday, January 30, 2015

Purple Deadnettle, Purple Archangel- (Lamium purpureum)

Purple Archangel is growing here in Alabama even now during January. It can be found scattered about my yard and will be more abundant in the Spring. The name Archangel was given to it because of it's appearing around the time of year that the Feast of Dedication to Archangel Michael was had. A tradition from the Catholic Church. The date was historically April 27 but later changed to May 11. Purple Archangel is native to Europe and Asia and said to be an invasive species here in North America. It can be found throughout most of the United States and parts of Canada. It's not just a weed to be shunned though. It's edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. Leaves and flowers make a nice addition to a salad. It's one of the first wild edibles I actually tasted from my yard. This plant is sometimes called Deadnettle. It's not like Stinging Nettle in that the hairs do not sting or bring discomfort if come in contact with. Thus the name Deadnettle. I promise if it they did sting I wouldn't touch it ! It has been said to be anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. The leaves can be applied to cuts or wounds. It also contains flavonoids and is said to be rich in iron and vitamins. Remember as always to have many resources and much information before trying or using any plant medicinally. Having the advice of an expert could also be needed. I have been learning so much in just a short time about the plants that are in my yard and area. I hope you'll take time and discover the Creator and His creation where you are.

Purple Deadnettle, Purple Archangel- (Lamium purpureum)

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), Tall Goldenrod (Solidago Altissima)

Goldenrod can be found all over my State of Alabama and at one time was the state flower but was replaced in 1959 by the Camellia. It can be found throughout North America. A few species are native to South America and Eurasia. Some American Species have now been introduced to other parts of the world. It's edible and flowers and leaves may be eaten in salads or cooked. They can be dried for teas as well. In fact it was used as an alternative tea and called "Liberty Tea" after the Boston Tea Party in 1773. It was often combined with other ingredients to make to tea. Caution if gathering leaves though some can carry a fungus and should not be used. The plant has been used medicinally and continues to be used in herbal medicine. It's uses include pain reliever, reduces inflammation, a diuretic, to stop muscle spasms, treating gout, skin conditions and more! As always my blogs are here for information. Carefully research and learn about any plant before trying as an edible. Have the advice of an expert before using medicinally. The name Solidago means to make whole or heal. Another interesting fact about the Goldenrod is that Thomas Edison used the Goldenrod to make rubber. He made tires for his Model T given to him by Henry Ford. Only the leaves can be used to make this rubber. In the last 2 pictures at the end of this blog shows cluster galls or rosette galls they are found specifically on Canadian Goldenrod only. At first glance I thought this was Goldenrod and later became confused after looking at the pictures. I'd never seen Goldenrod with the cluster formation on them before. Information from an identification group clarified that for me. I read more about the rosette galls and found that it's caused from a minuscule fly that lays an egg in a leaf bud. After it hatches it keeps the stem from growing and elongating.The Goldenrod still continues to produce leaves resulting in a cluster like foliage of leaves. So many interesting discoveries as my Summer is now becoming fall. I'm learning what you might think is a weed has more value and benefit than you know. What a grand Creator I serve. Take time and discover creation around you and better yet spend time with the Creator who made it all.

Tall Goldenrod (Solidago Altissima )

Tall Goldenrod (SolidagoAltissima )

Tall Goldenrod (Altissima Solidago)

Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) Pictured with rosette galls.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Japanese Hawkweed (Youngia japonica)

I found this growing in my front yard and backyard. Somethings I find and identify quickly on the internet. This one was identified thanks to the help of a plant identification group on facebook. Japanese Hawkweed can be found throughout the Eastern and Southeastern United States. It's native to Asia and Australia and as the name would suggest can be found throughout Japan. It's been naturalized here in the United States and other parts of the world also. It's edible and the leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. It's said to be a medicinal plant and used as an antitussive, febrifuge and antioxidant. A Chinese study in 2003 showed it to have anti-cancer and antiviral activities. Remember as always to do plenty of research and have expert advice before using plants medicinally or eating them. My blogs are here to give information and not advice. So many amazing plants God has placed in my small area. So many beneficial plants right before my eyes. I'm thanking God for what He has allowed me to discover. I hope you'll take a look around and discover God's creation where you are.

Japanese Hawkweed (Youngia japonica)

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Spotted Ladysthumb (Polygonum persicaria)

Spotted Ladysthumb is a new name for me but not a new image. Another common plant I've seen much of my life and maybe you have also. It's not native to North America but was introduced and since become invasive. It's native to Eurasia. The plant is said to be edible and medicinal. The leaves and seeds can be eaten raw or cooked but it does contain oxalic acid. Oxalic acid is not said to be toxic but can affect other minerals in the body and lead to a mineral deficiency of some minerals. Cooking the leaves is said to reduce the oxalic acid. Not a plant I'm planning on trying right now but good information to know. It's been used medicinally by the Native Americans as an astringent, diuretic, poultice and other uses as well. Ladysthumb have a marking on the leaves that looks like a darker green smudge in the middle of the leaf. Polygonum persicaria is one of many species in Polygonum. There are others that are also edible and medicinal. Remember never try plants without having many references, good information or the help and advice of an expert. I'm still amazed at how much information there is to learn about God's creation. I hope you'll take time to discover God's creation where you are.

Spotted Ladysthumb (Polygonum persicaria)

Spotted Ladysthumb (Polygonum persicaria) Leaves with darker spot in middle.

Spotted Ladysthumb (Polygonum persicaria)

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Sericea Lespedeza, Chinese Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata)

Each walk my son and I take to the spots where we find wildflowers in our neighborhood seems to turn up something new. I love the color of these. Sericea Lespedeza has tiny flowers and tiny leaves that I think are lovely. It's long stemmed and the ones we saw were around a foot long. It's native to Asia and eastern Australia. It has been introduced to other countries and was introduced to the United States in 1896 from Japan. Sericea Lespedeza is now present throughout the eastern United States. It was used to help stop erosion and also forage for livestock but now is considered invasive in some areas. It's been used medicinally to treat skin ulcerations, dysentery, enteritis, hernias and other aliments. It's said to be anthelmintic, depurative and tonic. Young leaves after being soaked and cooked are edible. Those are very small leaves though ! As always be cautious and have the advice of an expert before gathering or using any plant medicinally or for food. Be well informed with many resources. So many plants and so many continuing discoveries about a small area that surrounds me. I'll continue to enjoy and discover God's creation. I hope you'll take time and do so also.

Sericea Lespedeza, Chinese Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata)

Monday, September 8, 2014

Woodland Lettuce, Florida Blue Lettuce, False Lettuce - (Lactuca floridana)

This was another nice discovery in that weedy spot where I found so many interesting wildflowers. The difference in the top and bottom leaves confused me for a while when researching this plant on the internet. At first I only saw pictures of lobed leaves and none of the lanced leaves. I finally understood though and was surprised that this is another wild edible. One I wouldn't have guessed to be considered a lettuce. It can be cooked as greens or put in salads but is said to be bitter. The flowers resemble those of the Chicory plant but much smaller. The plant contains a white milky sap and lac which means milk in Latin is found in it's scientific name.This is also a food for caterpillars and butterflies. I'm amazed at what I'm discovering and learning about God's creation. So many plants seem to be going to waste that I never knew had a purpose other than to be called a weed. How little so many of us seem to know. As always be cautious and well informed before gathering or trying edible or medicinal plants. Having the advice of an expert and many references is recommended. Look around with open eyes and discover God's creation near you.