Discovering His Creation

Saturday, April 18, 2015

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)

Saturday, April 11, 2015

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 Leaf (Aesculus pavia)

Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)

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)

Monday, February 16, 2015

Daffodil ( Narcissus pseudonarcissus )

The bright yellow Daffodils are in bloom in our yard now. They're a reminder to me that Spring is not far off. Although it's still somewhat cold here but February seems to be flying by. I'm looking forward to the Spring days and warmer weather ahead. These flowers send dashes of yellow joy throughout our yard and are a blessing to see especially on grey cloudy days. They are lovely to look at but not to be eaten ! They can cause severe vomiting and contain toxic alkaloids. Despite that bulbs and plant are poisonous it still has had medicinal uses and is being studied in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Galantamine which is found in the bulbs is extracted and used for this treatment. Other research is being done in it's uses in treating depression and a Chinese study using Daffodil compounds to kill off cancer cells. The Daffodil are native to Northern Europe and have been widely cultivated here in North America. I'm glad my mother added these to our yard many years ago and that God has been teaching my about the creation He placed here on the earth. I am such a novice and so much to learn about the creation around me. I hope you'll take time to enjoy and discover God's creation where you are too.

Daffodil ( Narcissus pseudonarcissus )

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)

Monday, December 29, 2014

Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei)

This evergreen shrub I saw during the summer as my son and I would take pictures on the trail behind our house. I actually thought it was holly but after some research discovered it wasn't at all. Leatherleaf Mahonia is native to mainland China but can be found in the wild throughout the Southeastern United States. It came to this country sometimes in the 1800's. It can grow 5 to 10 feet tall and is an invasive species. There are bright yellow flowers that bloom but as you can see in the pictures these have not opened yet. It's still winter and yes they bloom during this season. Only small buds are on there now. The fruit of this shrub is said to be edible and some make jellies from them. They also contain vitamin C but are full of seeds too.The berries will ripen sometime in the Spring. The leaves, roots and stems have been used medicinally. It is said to be Antibacterial, Anti-phlogistic, Anti-rheumatic, Anti-cancer, Depurative, Febrifuge and used as a Tonic . There are no known hazards but always be cautious and well informed before trying any plant as an edible or using them medicinally. Have expert advice and many resources to gain knowledge from. I love discovering God's creation and it amazes me what I've found in my little world. I hope you'll take time to discover what the Creator placed where you are.

Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei)

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

There are about 3 Eastern Red Cedars growing in our yard. They are large now but I can remember when they first began to grow. The one in the front yard grows next to a Sweet Gum tree and for some reason it was never pulled up. At one time we would decorate it with lights for Christmas. Now it's too big to try that. Some Eastern Red Cedars are grown and used for Christmas trees. It is native to and can be found throughout the Eastern United States and Canada. It was first observed in Roanoke Island, Virginia in 1564. The colonists used it for building furniture, cabins and fences. Birds and small animals eat the tiny blue fruit. They look like berries but they are cones and indicates the female tree. The Eastern Red Cedar is not considered a true cedar either but is in fact a member of the Juniper family. It can grow to a height of 40 or 50 feet. The oldest Eastern Red Cedar is in Missouri and is said to be 795 years old ! In 2012 it became the state Evergreen tree for Tennessee. Native Americans used the berries in cooking and medicinally. It's still used in herbal medicine as a tea sometimes to treat coughs, respiratory conditions, bronchitis and as a antispasmodic. It's also used in treating pains, arthritis and as an antiseptic and more. It's said to be an anticancer agent called podophyllocotoxin. The berries can be somewhat toxic though as other parts of the tree. Eating large quantities can cause diarrhea. Always remember to be cautious and well informed with many references before trying or using any plant medicinally. Other uses include moth repellent, insecticide and an essential oil can be obtained from the wood. The Eastern Red Cedar is just another discovery of what's in my yard and area where I live. I hope you'll take time to discover a magnificent Creator and His magnificent creation where you are.