Spotted Cat’s Ear – Hypochaeris radicata

Spotted Cat’s Ear flower

This plant of lawns, vacant lots and grassy areas began in Europe and now is found widespread through North America, both Canada and the United States. It grows from a central rosette of leaves above a tap root, just like dandelion. All parts of the plant have a milky sap that exudes when it is broken, and the seeds are windborne, just like dandelion. The major difference in appearance between the two is the formation of the flowers….on a dandelion the plant produces flowers at the end of a single, unbranched stalk. But the Cat’s Ear produces forked stalks that produce flowers at the end of each branch. This perennial is considered a noxious weed in Washington State.

 

The leaves and roots of the Cats Ear are the most often consumed although all parts are edible. The leaves can be eaten raw in salads of cooked like dandelion greens. They can be included in stir fry, steamed or boiled. The roots can be used as dandelion and chicory, chopped, roasted then ground to make coffee.

 

This plant has been confused with dandelion by many, used in cooking like dandelion, and is used in herbal medicine like dandelion. The only difference in medicinal use is that the Cats Ear is milder in action than dandelion, but it can be used for digestive and liver issues just like dandelion!

 

The only negative about this plant (other than some thinking it a noxious weed) is the possibility that it may cause Australian Stringhalt in horses. To avoid this possibility do not allow you horse to graze where there is Cats Ear growing in abundance. Horses must consume large quantities for this issue to crop up. The symptom is a sudden flexion of one or both of the lateral extensor tendons of the back legs.

Yellow Knapweed – Centaurea macrosephala

Yellow Knapweed

This native thistle like plant from the Caucasus’ is now spreading in North America at a rapid pace. The state of Washington has declared it a noxious weed and banned it from importation into the state. If found there it must be reported, and cannot be grown for its beautiful flowers!

 

These pin-cushion looking flowers are perennial and will spread easily. It will readily set its seeds and reproduce where they are not wanted, so deadhead them if you want control of where they are growing.

 

These big yellow, flowers are very attractive to bees and butterflies. Yet they are deer and rabbit resistant. Remember though that resistant does not mean deer or rabbit proof! The stiff long stems lend them to being cut and dried for later use in dried flower arrangements.

Stevia – Stevia rebaudiana

Stevia

This perennial shrub can still be found growing in the wild in the Amambay and Iguacu districts in the highlands of Brazil and Paraguay. It was first seen by Spanish explorers in the 16^th century being used by the native peoples of Paraguay. They used it to sweeten drinks and in their medicines.

 

The Guarani tribe of Paraguay and Brazil have used stevia for centuries to sweeten yerba mate and their medicinal teas. It was used in the treatment of heartburn and similar ailments. Modern research shows promise for the treatment of obesity, high blood pressure, and hypertension.

 

It has been used as a sugar substitute in almost any food. But the safety in young children, pregnant and nursing women has not been conclusively established. People with liver or kidney diseases should use caution in its use.

Sunflowers – Helianthus annuus

Sunflower

At early dawn, like soldiers in their places,
Rank upon rank the golden sunflowers stand;
Gazing toward the east with eager faces,
Waiting, until their god shall touch the land
To life and glory, longingly they wait,
Those voiceless watchers at the morning’s gate….

 

By Albert Bigelow Paine

http://sunflowerfestival.tripod.com/sunflower_poems.htm

 

This native of the Central and South Americas was first spread through North America in the 16^th century becoming one of the most familiar of flowering plants in the garden. In the time of the Aztecs they were revered, worn on the heads of priestesses of the Temple of the Sun and carrying them in their hands.

 

In mythology a water nymph, named Clytis, was in love with Apollo, but it was an unrequited love. As a result she died of a broken heart, and was reborn as a sunflower. The sunflower since she pursued Apollo, as the sunflower follows the sun!

 

For consumption the seed can be eaten out of hand, or included in baked goods, or pressed to obtain a very bright yellow oil. The oil compares with olive oil for healthful eating! The seeds may be roasted and then steeped into an agreeable drink.

 

The seeds are diuretic, and expectorant. They have been utilized in the treatment of bronchial and pulmonary problems (i.e. coughs and colds, or whooping cough). In Turkey and Persia they have utilized a tincture from the seed and ‘rectified spirit’ of wine to treat fevers and ague.

 

All parts are useable, with the leaves used as animal feed or as an herbal tobacco, the stalks having a fiber used in making paper, and the flowers petals may be used for dye. It is the state flower of Kansas; and one of the city flowers of Kitayushu, Japan. The sunflower is also used to symbolize the Vegan Society and of green ideology.

Cornflower – Centaurea cyanus

Cornflower or Bachelor’s Buttons

The wintergreen, the juniper
The cornflower and the chicory
All the words you said to me
Still vibrating in the air

Unknown

Centaurea, the genus for these flowers, was named for an ancient Greek centaur, Chiron. This centaur, according to myth, taught humans the healing power of plants and herbs. He showed them how to heal, by using them on battle wounds, including those he had acquired himself in battle.

Just as Chiron taught in antiquity, this herb is used to wash out wounds, heal mouth ulcers, for eye problems (such as corneal ulcers), conjunctivitis, and minor wounds! It also sooths inflamed and irritated skin. Internally it is used to improve digestion, improve the immune system, tone and regulate the gall bladder, liver, kidneys, and to treat menstrual disorders.

It is also used as a Flower Essence to encourage self knowledge and acceptance of the infinite differences among others. The intense blue color of the flower has been prized for centuries, used as an ink color when mixed with alum, it was often used in Books of Shadows, used to dye linen (but not permanent), and used in watercolor painting. The Minoans of the island of Crete (during the Bronze Age) used the flower petals to invent the blue on their ceramics for which they are so famous.

Cornflowers or Bachelor’s Buttons are used in tea, salads, and garnishes for entrees and drinks. Not only are the flowers edible, but so are the young shoots. And the dye obtained form the flowers is also safe to use in cooking.

German Chamomile – Matricaria recutita

Chamomile

The weather outside is so brutal tonight
I have nothing better to do but go to bed
Maybe some chamomile tea and warm milk
Would calm thoughts buzzing in my head…

By Adele Kaye

‘The Plant’s Physician’ has been well known in companion planting to help any plant near it to recover and thrive! The physician is the well known German Chamomile plant. This annual herb with the yellow centered daisy like flowers has a distinct scent of apples about it.

 

Chamomile has been used for centuries in Europe for its anti anxiety, sedative, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antispasmodic properties. It is gentle enough to be used with babies and small children to help when they suffer from colds, stomach ache (colic), sleeplessness, and for eczema and inflammation. The tea is used for nervous issues and menstrual cramps.

 

As an incense it is good for meditation, for centering, and peace. In magic sprinkle it around your home for protection, healing, and to attract money. The Egyptians held it in a reverential position for its many virtues, and dedicated it to their gods!

Purple Artichoke

The artichoke
With a tender heart
Dressed up like a warrior,
Standing at attention, it built
A small helmet
Under its scales…

By Pablo Neruda

From Ode to the Artichoke

 

Kaktos were grown and cultivated in Sicily during the Greek period (750 BC) and at that time the leaves and flower heads were eaten. They were used by the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians as food and medicine.

 

Artichokes have diuretics properties and also increase circulation. They regenerate liver tissue and stimulate the gall bladder. According to Raintree “In Brazilian herbal medicine systems, leaf preparations are used for liver and gallbladder problems, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, anemia, diarrhea (and elimination in general), fevers, ulcers, and gout.”

 

Steamed artichokes (with ¼ of each scale removed, eliminating the thorns) are eaten by removing the leaves one at a time. They are then often dipped in vinegar, butter,  mayonnaise, or other sauces. The artichoke is also used to make beverages…in Vietnam they make a commercial tea in the Dalat region. It also plays a primary role in the flavoring of the Italian liquor Cynar.

Lavender Cotton – Santolina chamaecyparissus

Lavender Cotton

This silver-gray sub-shrub of Mediterranean origin has aromatic leaves that are often used in perfumery. The leaves have a pleasant, pungent smell, while the flowers are perceived as having an unpleasant odor by some. The color of the foliage also lends the bush to be included in a Moon garden. The silver-gray leaves will reflect the moons light very pleasingly.

 

It is rarely used in Herbal medicine, although it has a history of treating intestinal parasites in children. The crushed leaves are also effective rubbed on an insect bite or sting for relief!

 

Even more rarely it has been used as a spice in cooking, just dry and crumble the leaves, or use fresh in dishes such as barley soup.

 

The foliage is often used in pot pourri for the aromatic scent, and in sachets to keep insects out of closets and linens. It has also been used as an herbal smoking substitute for tobacco. Dry branches, with or without the flowers, for use in making aromatic wreathes of mixed herbs.

Echinacea – Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea – Purple Coneflower

Purple Coneflower carries the genus name that means hedgehog in Greek, Echinacea, which is often used as its common name. This perky flower is native to eastern North America and can be found growing at the sides of roads, in fields, and forest edges. It is Endangered in Florida and probably Extirpated (locally extinct) in Michigan. Archeological research has shown that Native Americans have used Echinacea for over 400 years.

 

Gvnege tsunvsta (Cherokee) was used in combination with dogwood bark and yarrow for the treatment of headache and toothache due to infection and inflammation by the Cherokee people. In fact it stimulates the body’s own defense system to treat infections. It is commonly used at the first sign of a cold or flu, if not to shorten the duration, then to lessen the effects of the infection!

 

Purple Coneflower was used as a treatment for pain, indigestion, tumors, malaria, arthritis, and hemorrhoids. It has been used as a treatment for skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis, boils and wounds, burns, cold sores and genital herpes!

 

Nutritionally the leaves are of value as they contain iron, iodine, copper, potassium, sulphur, and Vitamins A, E and C.

 

The Horticulture online site has offered the following recipe… (the exact same recipe is also found in Growing and Using Echinacea by Kathleen Brown.)

 

Virus Fighter Tea

The herbs in this formula all have active antiviral properties and are effective against herpes, shingles, flu, warts, and other viral infections. Ginger is very warming and increases circulation. This tea can be taken internally or applied externally.

1 part echinacea root
1 part ginger root
1 part osha root
1 part boneset leaf
1 part chaparral leaf
1 part St. John’s Wort leaf and flower
1 part usnea lichen
Honey and Lemon (optional)

Decoct the roots. Remove from heat and add the remaining herbs. Stir well, cover, and steep another 10 to 20 minutes. Strain, and add honey and lemon if desired.

Musk Thistle – Carduus nutans

Musk Thistle

…In Scotland grows a warlike flower,
Too rough to bloom in lady’s bower;
His crest. when high the soldier bears,
And spurs his courser on the spears.
O there it blossoms – there it blows
The thistle’s grown aboon the rose…

 

By Allan Cunningham (1784-1842)

 To read the rest of the poem click here

This native to Europe and Asia is now found in the United States everywhere except for Maine, Vermont, Florida, Alaska, and Hawaii. It was first found in 1942 in Tennessee. It has spread so rapidly that 25 states have declared it Noxious! Although it will destroy rangeland, making impossible for cattle to graze, they rarely eat the foliage. They have been observed eating the flowers and seedheads.

 

Nodding Thistle produces high quality nectar that allows bees to produce superior honey. In the past the dried flowers have been used like rennet to curdle milk. Also, the pith of the stem is edible; care must be exercised when peeling it to avoid the thorns!

 

In folk medicine the flowers were used to reduce fever, and purify the blood. The leaves and seeds have been used as a bitter to stimulate the liver.

 

In magic use thistles have always been an herb of protection and vitality. A bowlful, placed in a room or on an alter will strengthen the spirit, renew vitality and afford protection for all present.