“All day on their airy backbones they toss in the wind, they bend as though it was natural and godly to bend, they rise in a stiff sweetness, in the pure peace of giving one’s gold away.” “Goldenrod”, by Mary Oiliver Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) is a familiar plant to Canadians. This hardy perennial grows in fields and along roadways in every…
Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) When we hear “marshmallow” most of us think of campfires or hot chocolate – not necessarily an ancient plant medicine! Marshmallow grows in marshy areas and bears pale, clustered flowers with white petals and purple anthers and stigmas (centers) that bloom in late summer. The genus name of marshmallow, Althaea comes from the…
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a member of the daisy (Asteraceae) family. Among the 15 species there are both annual and perennial varieties. Distribution Calendula has been cultivated for centuries, making the location of its origin unclear, although it is thought to be native to the southern European Mediterranean region. Calendula now grows across Europe, Asia, and the Americas and is widely naturalized throughout the world. They are highly tolerant and…
Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) is a perennial flowering herb that is a member of the buttercup (Ranunculaceae) family. It bears characteristic spikes of small, white, fragrant flower clusters called “racemes”. Plants can grow up to 4 to 6 feet in height and take about 3 years to mature. Common names: black cohosh, black bugbane, black snakeroot, rattle-top, or fairy candle. The name “cohosh” is thought to be derived from Algonquian (Eastern Abenaki / Penobscot) ‘*kkwὰhas’, meaning…
The First Dandelion “Simple and fresh and fair from winter’s close emerging, As if no artifice of fashion, business, politics, had ever been, Forth from its sunny nook of shelter’d grass—innocent, golden, calm as the dawn, The spring’s first dandelion shows its trustful face. Walt Whitman Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) are a harbinger of warming earth and brighter days, and a…
Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) is a flowering plant that is a member of the mint family. It is a woody perennial and bears spiky flowers that can range in colour from purple to pink to white. This is one of the world’s most popular culinary herbs – the very same variety of oregano that is a staple in spice racks…
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a tree or shrub that is a member of the rose family. It bears pointy-edged leaves and blossoms of white or light pink in the spring, bearing bright red berry-like fruits in the autumn. Distribution: Hawthorns grow in northern temperate zones across North America, Europe, North Africa and Asia. They can grow in a variety of conditions, thriving in hedgerows, field edges, and rocky soil. Common Names: …
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a member of the honeysuckle (Caprifoliaceae) family. A perennial that an grow up to 55 feet (occasionally taller), bearing sweetly scented flowers that bloom in June through August. Distribution: Valerian is native to Europe and Southwest Asia. While it prefers moist soil, it is adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments. Its area of growth has significantly expanded, and it is now naturalized in parts of…
Native to Eastern and Central North America. Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) is one of the most abundant trees in the Eastern US, that can grow to heights of 100 feet. Medicinal Parts and compounds: Unripe fruit hulls, as well as bark and leaves. The therapeutic compounds include juglones, tannins, antioxidants including polyphenols and flavonoids. Black Walnut trees are valued not only for their natural, ornamental beauty, but also as a desirable…
Gentian (Gentiana lutea) is a perennial plant that can grow one to two meters tall with trumpet-shaped blossoms ranging in colours that include yellow, mauve and white, and vibrant blue. The genus of gentian is named for the Illyrian King Gentius, who was said to have discovered the therapeutic tonic properties of the plant. Common names: Great yellow gentian, bitter root, bitterwort, gall weed. Distribution: Gentian is native to the Himalayan Mountain regions and the Alps. Today, it grows in grassy alpine regions throughout Europe, China and parts of North America. Therapeutic Compounds Gentian root has a characteristic bitter taste…
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