In northern Idaho, we’re blessed to have Aralia nudicaulis growing fairly abundantly and, according to Cook’s Physiomedical Dispensatory, it grows from Canada to the Carolinas. Well, I can confirm that it grows in the west as well! It likes mixed, deciduous forests with moist, loamy soil. On our property, we have abundant patches lining our …
At the Zoom meeting Tuesday, I shared a few plants that are ready to gather in the fall. Here’s the list I shared with a few photos. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list – there are many more plants you can harvest throughout the fall and even the winter! Sumac (Rhus spp.) …
When it comes to wildcrafting, you should always know where you’re harvesting from!! It’s so important. Sides of roads, neighborhood streets, public parks… NEVER wildcraft form an area that has been sprayed or has been exposed to other toxins (runoff from roads etc.) Once you’ve identified a safe and healthy plant, or if you’re harvesting …
Now that you know how to identify different types of pine, let’s talk about using it. Pine has SO many uses! It’s something you can harvest year-round and has such a wonderful flavor. ? Pine can boost mood, combat depression and stimulate the immune system through its stimulating volatile oils. This can be achieved through …
When attempting to identify pine, one of the easiest ways is to count the needle bundles. This simply means you are going to count the number of needles that are growing together out of the same spot, attached by a small brownish nub. If you do not see several bundles growing from one point then …
Being a styptic is likely yarrow’s best-known use, and for good reason — it’s highly effective at stopping and controlling excessive bleeding. Simply take a little fresh plant, chew it up and apply directly to the wound. It encourages blood clotting, slowing and eventually stopping the bleed. If all you have is powdered yarrow and …
If you’re interested in finding and harvesting yarrow, here are a few guidelines to keep in mind. Yarrow, aka Achillea millefolium, can grow up to 3-feet high, but most of mine are closer to 18″ to 2′. The leaves are the first thing you’ll notice in the spring. They grow very close to the ground …
We’ve already determined that dandelion really is a special plant, if you can change your thinking toward it you can begin to reap the benefits of this herbal ally. But before you start picking leaves and eating them (something I do frequently on our homestead) make sure you’re picking them from a clean area. Make …
Taraxacum officinale vs. Hypochaeris radicata Dandelion is one herb that almost everybody can identify. It’s that pesky yellow weed in your yard that just won’t go away no matter what you do. It’s a universal problem too! It grows almost everywhere and in pretty much any condition. Dandelion is such a resilient plant, and I …
So let’s talk about harvesting violets. We love to use the flowers and leaves in salad, make syrup (flowers), jelly or use them as decoration on desserts. They are mild and beautiful! Viola is a spring and early-fall plant. It doesn’t like heat, so it tends to die back when the serious summer heat moves …
