Discovering His Creation

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Sweet Gum Tree (Liquidambar styraciflua)

The Sweet Gum Tree in our front yard has been there since we moved here in 1977. Of course it was much smaller then and small enough that my Daddy had intended to cut it down. As you can see in the pictures it's not small anymore. It once split into 2 parts and after being struck by lightning the other half died. I still remember that very well when the lightning hit it. Actually I thought the whole tree would die but instead it continued to flourish. I will say I'm not fond of those balls that fall from the tree. They mean year round work for me. The most fall in the winter and if not raked it's impossible to walk in the yard or driveway. It can be dangerous and I have almost fallen from accidentally stepping on one. So one in the yard is one too many. There are some positive things about these trees. One is the fragrance! The leaves have a fresh smell that reminds me of some household cleaners like Pine-sol. There are also other positive things that I was not aware of until a few years ago. It was used medicinally by the Native Americans and still used by some. A resin obtained from the trunk of the tree has been used as a antiseptic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, parasiticide, poultice and salve. It has been chewed for treating sore throats, coughs and asthma. Externally it can applied to sores and wounds, etc. Let's don't forget some of the other uses for this tree like; perfumes, soaps, flooring and furniture. The Sweet Gum tree is native to the southeastern United states and also can be found in Central America and Mexico. It's a member of a genus consisting only of 6 species. The other 6 are found in Asia. It's amazing the things you can learn and discover about the creation God has placed right where you are. Things you might overlook or view as a negative maybe more valuable than you think. Take a look around and discover God's creation where you are. You might be surprised at what you find!

Sweet Gum Tree ball (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Sweet Gum Tree leaf (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Sweet Gum Tree (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Sweet Gum Tree ball (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Friday, June 5, 2015

Carolina False Dandelion (Pyrrhopappus carolinianus)

Carolina False Dandelion snuck it's way in among some other flowers in an area in our backyard. I was able to recognize that it was not a Dandelion. The leaves are long and narrow and the flower itself is different. Notice those dark specks in the center of the flower, those are not to be found in the Dandelion. It's also called Carolina Desert Chicory. It can often be found in woodlands, pastures and along roadsides. I see it usually along roadsides here and sometimes growing at the entrance of my neighborhood. It can be found throughout much of the southern and midwestern United States. Carolina False Dandelion is not to be confused with Cat's Ear (Hypochaeris radicata) another false Dandelion. It has been said that the Native Americans ate the roots but other than that there is not much information about the edibility of this plant. No mention of medicinal uses either at least none I can find on the internet. We could say more information needed. I'm discovering God put many plants here on earth with a purpose for them and man is still learning why they are here. Always be cautious and have expert advice and information before using wild edibles for food or medicinally. Even things that are said to be safe could be a risk for some if they are allergic to them. With that said there is still much beauty to be found in flowers or wildflowers God placed upon the earth. Take time to enjoy and discover God's creation where you are.

Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 1 Timothy 6:17

Carolina False Dandelion (Pyrrhopappus carolinianus)

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)