Let's take a Walk on the Wild Herb Side .........................

Awww ... It's not officially Spring , but all the plants are emerging and I'm loving every minute of watching and waiting for their fruits. I found Cleavers peeking out from long ago fallen leaves ..............


And this beautiful patch of Wild Ginger has emerged in my front yard next to an old oak tree. I've never used Wild Ginger , but I think she's speaking to me. Guess I should learn more about her.



The Hairy Bittercress is flowering. I've eaten it a few times in the last 2 weeks , I've enjoyed the flavor raw or cooked.

Chickweed always makes me happy with it's beautiful green color , we had a wild tossed salad last night for supper ......... lots of Chickweed , Dandelion , Hairy Bittercress , Violet leaves and Wild Onions .

On my herb walk I discovered this plant , I've never seen it growing here before. Can anyone identify it by the leaves , I'm going to watch it closely for blooms .............

Click on photos for a close view ...... Please leave me a comment if you know what it is.

Oops ........... More Cleavers

The Purple Dead Nettle has emerged and bloomed. I did find an explanation as to why it is called " Purple Dead Nettle " , it's in the nettle family and since it doesn't sting , it's called dead nettle.

The wild onions have popped up everywhere , I have plans to harvest some this week. I'll be dehydrating them , they're delicious dried , they gain a sweet taste.

The Yellow Dock looks wonderful , I'm planning to try some cooked soon. I've never cooked it , but I have made Yellow Dock root tincture. Speaking of all the things I want to try or do , it's time to make a new " to do list ". It's very easy to get sidetracked this time of year , maybe a list will help me stay focused on my plans.

The Violets have jumped up , can't wait to see those beautiful little flowers appear , need to add Violet syrup to that list I mentioned (LOL).

~ Green Blessings ~

JoyceAnn

~ Wild Ginger ~

I've been thinking about how I came to have an interest in herbs , this is one of the plants that brings back fond memories. I spent alot of time roaming and playing in the woods as a child , I remember picking the leaves from this plant , just because I loved the scent , it smelled wonderful , although I didn't know what it was back then. So , thinking back I guess my love of herbs started when I was very young and was the beginning of the path I would eventually follow. Over the years I had often wondered what that beautiful heart-shaped great smelling plant was. So , I guess one could say , that plant had been talking to me for along time , it just took awhile for me to hear it.
I discovered what the plant was a few years ago , we have lots of wild ginger growing around here , this is the first time I've ever seen the bloom. The bloom was actually covered with leaves , the only reason I discovered it was by digging up the root. I remember the first time I smelled ginger spice , the smell seemed so familiar , but I didn't know why , but now I do. I'm not a big fan of (Asian) common ginger , although I'm beginning to develop a taste for it. I've never ate wild ginger , there is conflicting information about the herb , so I'm not sure about it , although there are other ways to use wild ginger . I like the idea of using the dried root for incense , since I love the smell of wild ginger.

~ Warning ~

Wild ginger has a naturally occurring toxin called aristolochic acid , a toxin that may cause cancer.

Check-out these links for more info .........

http://www.altnature.com/gallery/wild_ginger.htm and http://www.naturesherbal.com/Wild_Ginger.htm

~ Green Blessings ~

JoyceAnn

~ Wild Herbs around the Yard ~

~ Wild Ginger ~

( Asarum canadense )

Roots edible / But Read Wild Ginger Post

~ Common Elderberry ~

( Sambucus canadensis )

Flower clusters /Berries are edible

~ Spiny-Leaved Sow-Thistle ~

( S. Asper )

Young leaves are edible / Remove Spines

~ Plantain ~
( Plantago spp. )

Young leaves edible

~ Yellow Goat's-Beard ~

( Tragopogon pratensis )

Young leaves / Roots are edible

~ Yellow Dock ~

( Rumex crispus )

Young Leaves edible

~ Wild Carrot , Queen Ann's Lace ~

( Daucus carota )

Roots are edible

~ Cat's Ear ~

( Hypochoeris radicata )

Leaves / Roots are edible