Medicinal Monday... Tall Goldenrod - Don't Confuse It with Ragweed!

In general, Goldenrods get a bad rap. They are not allergens, that's ragweed! Best of all, they add to the colors of fall foliage and, better yet, attract important pollinators including migrating Monarchs. Several species of goldenrod grow in the United States and Solidago altissima L. or Tall Goldenrod is one of them. This plant is in the Aster or Sunflower family and can be found throughout New England. It is similar to Giant Goldenrod and Canada Goldenrod and, in fact, so similar that all of them often share common names. 

About Tall Goldenrod

This plant is among the tallest of the goldenrod plants as its name implies. It loves the sun and can be found in open fields, meadows, prairies, grasslands, old fields, along roadsides, railroad tracks, and at the edge of open forests. The flowers grow in a pyramidal cluster at the top of the plant in yellow clusters or individually. Each plume-like head has five ray flowers and numerous disc flowers; both are yellow.  Tall Goldenrod flowers from August through November depending on the part of the country it is growing in. The stalks are sturdy and very hairy.  The minutely toothed hairy leaves alternate and are broadest in the middle tapering to a sharp point at their tip. The fruit is a dry seed or achene with a tuft of white hair or pappus attached to the tip of the seed which helps it be carried off by the wind. The root system is fibrous and it spreads by creeping rhizomes that cause Tall Goldenrod to grow in clusters that most often form dense colonies.

Medicinal Uses

The most common use for Tall Goldenrod was to make a compound of the flowers and apply them to burns, this was a documented use of the Chippewa. Another use was to make a poultice of moistened dry flowers or roots and apply them to ulcers, skin problems, and boils.

Did You Know...

Sometimes, due to stem boring insects, this plant forms galls (abnormal growths) mid-stem.

Tall Goldenrod was once designated to the Compositae Family because its flowers are a composite of many flowers.

Tall Goldenrod has been introduced to Europe and Asia where it is considered a dangerous weed.

Bees, wasps, butterflies, and beetles, especially soldier beetles, are attracted to the flowers.

Solidago altissima L. is the state wildflower flower of  South Carolina.

Tall Goldenrod is deer resistant. 

 

Medicinal Monday... Majestic Purple Meadow Rue

Purple Meadow Rue is a tall, stout, plant that can grow up to six feet. There are six different species of this plant that can be found in the wetlands, meadows, and open woodlands of most states on the eastern seaboard of the United States including Connecticut. Many Native American communities living in this area found several medicinal and cultural uses for this beautiful plant that gets its name from its purple stem.

 About  Purple Meadow Rue 

The scientific name of this particular plant is Thalictrum dasycarpum and it is a member of the Buttercup family. This plant grows from rhizomes and has a stout purple stem that usually branches out at the top. The smooth leaves grow in pairs and have three shallow lobes. In the spring they are olive green and turn an attractive shade of pink or yellow in the fall.  The starry white flowers grow in clusters and have no petals. This plant is dioecious, that is male and female, and flowers bloom on separate plants. The white color of the flowers is from the filaments of the stamens which give them a misty quality. The flowers are followed by an ovoid-shaped achene (seed) that grows in clusters. The mature seed is veined and dark brown.

Medicinal Uses

The most common use of Purple Meadow Rue is to make an infusion of the plant to treat nosebleeds. An infusion of the root was also commonly used as a gall medicine. To treat dry skin and to scent it, the Lakota chewed the seeds and rubbed them on their hands. The Lakota also fed their horses the seeds in order to give them energy. The Pawnee mixed the entire plant with clay and rubbed the mixture on the muzzle of their horses to stimulate them. The Ojibwa made an infusion of the roots and used this mixture to treat fevers. The Potawatomi made a compound of the leaves and seeds and applied this mixture to treat cramps.

Among other uses, the Montagnais use the leaves of Purple Meadow Rue to flavor salmon. The Dakota stored the mature seeds in bags or rubbed or scattered them on clothing for their pleasant scent. Children, including those of the Omaha, Pawnee, Ponca, and Lakota communities, used the hollow stems of this sturdy plant as a toy flute. The Potawatomi smoked the dried seeds while hunting to bring good luck, they also mixed the seeds with tobacco and smoked it as a love medicine before visiting the lady of their choice. Bachelors in the Ponca community rubbed their hands on the tops of this plant as a love charm.

Did You Know...

Non-scientific names for this species include King of the Meadow, Tall Meadow-rue, Late Meadow-rue, Meadow-weed, Muskrat-weed, Silver-weed, and Quicksilver-weed.

The flowers of Purple Meadow Rue are important to bees and butterflies in addition to a number of beetles.

The Greek name Thalictrum refers to plants that have divided leaves.

The species name, dasycarpum, is from two Greek words, dasy, meaning 'hairy or thick' and carpus, meaning 'fruited'

The genus Thalictrum is quite large with 200 species worldwide.

Medicinal Monday...Marginal Wood Fern

When we think of marginal, we think of something that is not of central importance. In regards to plants, marginal refers to a plant that grows in water adjacent to the edge of land. This elegantly shaped evergreen fern is native to North America and was used medicinally by many indigenous people. The Marginal Wood Fern is present in Connecticut.

About Marginal Wood Fern

Dryopteris marginalis or marginal woodfern has large leathery dark green to bluish green leaves that form a tidy ascending asymmetrical clump. It is a non-spreading perennial. The branches are lance-oblong in shape tapering to a point and stalkless. They have up to 20 leaflets. The lower branches are shorter than the lobed upper branches.  The lower stem is reddish brown and covered with brown scales and the upper stem is green to brown and has no scales. The spores or sori are found on the underside of the leaf near the midrib of the leaf segments, near the margin of the leaf segments. This evergreen fern is very tolerant of dry shade conditions and is often found in shaded crevices of rocky ledges and bluffs from Newfoundland to Georgia and west to Minnesota.

Medicinal Uses

One of the most common uses of this plant by Native American communities was to make an infusion of the root to treat rheumatism. Another common use was to take a warm infusion of this plant to ease the pain of a toothache.  The Cherokee took an infusion of the root as an emetic. The roots of this plant contain filicin, a substance that kills tapeworms, making it one of the most effective treatments for tapeworms. The treatment was followed by a non-oily purgative to expel the worms.

Did You Know...

Marginal Wood Fern resembles Lady Fern.

It gets its name from the spores because they are located at the margin or edge of the underside of the leaflets.

Another name for this plant is Marginal Shield Fern.

Although it is widespread in New England, it was not discovered until 1981 in Minnesota.

A recent study found that the essential oil had antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Medicinal Monday -- Lovely Little Larkspur

Larkspur has a storied history with many symbolic meanings. It is called Larkspur because the flowers have a distinctive spur at the back. It is in the Delphinium genus of about 300 species of annual and perennial flowering plants in the Ramunculaceae or Buttercup family. They are native to eastern North America and are also found in parts of Africa. In the language of flowers, larkspur represents dedication and sincerity.

About Little Larkspur

The scientific word for the common name larkspur is delphinium, which originates from the Greek word for dolphin because the flower buds resemble a dolphin and, Little Larkspur or Delphinium bicolor Nutt is part of this family. This species of larkspur is native to North America from British Columbia to South Dakota. It can be found in mountain forests, meadows, scrub hillsides, and prairies. The root system branches out and produces a single stem about 16 inches high that is green with a reddish base. The petiolate leaves have rounded lobes and grow low on the stem that holds a large spike of a loose cluster of flowers, made of up to 15 blossoms. The flowers have deep blue lower petals. The upper petals are light blue petals with white markings.  This plant is highly poisonous to cattle and bison.

Medicinal  and Other Uses

The basic use of this plant by many Native American communities was as an antidiarrheal. In regard to other documented uses, the Blackfoot made an infusion of this plant that was used by women to shine and straighten their hair, an infusion was also given to children with fainting spells and for teething. The Blackfoot used the flowers as a blue dye for their quills, and bows and arrows. The Gosiute considered the entire plant as poisonous.

Did You Know...

Another name for this plant is flathead larkspur.

Little Larkspur can absorb toxic substances like herbicides, pesticides, and pollutants.

The color of the individual larkspur flower traditionally holds varying inherent symbolism with blue larkspur flowers associated with grace and respectability; pink with fickleness, love, and affection; purple with first love; and white symbolizing happiness and joy. 

Little Larkspur has long been thought to hold the ability to ward off evil, earning it a place in cottage gardens during the Victorian era.

Finger Weaving Workshop offers Native American Instruction @ Institute for American Indian Studies - September 23

Most archeologists believe that the art of basket making is one of the oldest crafts in the world. In Native American culture, baskets have always been an integral part of their material culture.  For centuries Native Americans have relied on baskets for gathering, storing, preparing, and cooking food. Finger weaving is one of several techniques used among Eastern Woodland Indigenous peoples to make baskets as well as an array of decorative and ceremonial items.

Learn how to make this basket with traditional methods

On Saturday, September 23 at 1 p.m. the Institute for American Indian Studies at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut is holding a finger-weaving basket workshop, ideal for those that want to learn this traditional art form.  “We think that experiences learning about cultural art forms is important because it gives people insight into Native American culture, “  said Chris Combs, Executive Director.

 The focus of September's class is on the art of finger weaving using natural fibers like jute and raffia. Participants will join Pokanoket Nation and Tribe member, Eva Newell of Cape Sable Island Wampanoag, Nauset, and Cree ancestry for this finger-weaving workshop.

 

The essence of finger weaving is that it is like an elaborate braid where you move the warp and weft threads with your fingers in order to create beautiful baskets. What makes finger weaving unique is that the same threads are used for both warp and weft; they just change places as you work. In this finger-weaving workshop, two of the most important things participants will learn are how to position their fingers and the best way to hold their hands. Each participant will take home a small finger woven traditionally inspired coil basket.

After it is made, have fun embellishing it!

This workshop is recommended for those 12 and older because of the patience and dexterity required for this project. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. The cost of the workshop, which includes all materials, is $35 for non-members and $30 for members. To register visit http://iaismuseum.org, For questions, email events@iaismuseum.org.

Medicinal Monday - Oyster Plant

The Oyster Plant is a member of the Aster family that was introduced to North America by Europeans in the 18th century and today it is found in every U.S. state but Hawaii. The entire plant can be consumed and was by both Europeans and Native Americans. The Oyster Plant was originally introduced as a vegetable that was also used medicinally, making it unusual.

About the Oyster Plant

Growing up to four feet in height, Tragopogon porrifolius is native to the Mediterranean region and North Africa and is characterized by its thick taproot that is cooked as a vegetable and is said to have a taste that is similar to oysters. It has purple flowers that resemble lavender chicory blossoms. The grass-like leaves are somewhat kneeled and narrow and usually clasp the stem. The stems produce a milky juice. Feathery hairs are produced when the plant produces its fruit,  giving it the nickname, Purple Goat's Beard. The Oyster Plant is biennial and reproduces by seed. In the second year, the mauve-colored flowers bloom from April through August and have ray florets that resemble daisies. The seeds look like a dandelion puffball and the brownish seeds are easily dispersed by the wind.  The roots look similar to a long white parsnip that can grow up to eight inches long. The Oyster Plant is found just about everywhere from vacant lots and woodlands to grasslands and roadsides. 

Medicinal and Culinary Uses of the Oyster Plant

Oyster Plants are related to dandelions and chicory. The young roots of the oyster plant are eaten raw, and the more mature roots are often broiled or baked. The young flower stalks are cooked and eaten like asparagus and when the seeds are spouted they are eaten like alfalfa sprouts. The rubbery sap is collected by many Native American communities including the Thompson, and dried and then rolled into balls and chewed like gum. Some Native American communities including the Navajo use the sap as milk. The Okanagan broke the stems at their base and use the hardened juice as food.

The most common medicinal uses of the Oyster Pland were to solve digestive problems like indigestion and heartburn. Additionally, this plant was used to treat gallbladder obstructions, jaundice, and high blood pressure. Specifically, the Navajo Ramah made a cold infusion of this plant to treat coyote bites on humans and animals. A cold infusion was also used to treat sore throats. The Navajo Ramah also used this plant as a ceremonial emetic.

The Thompson used the fluffy pappus of the fruits to make "cotton stuffing" for pillows. The Navajo Ramah made a cold infusion and gave it to horses for internal injuries. 

Did You Know...

Other names of this plant are common salsify, Jack Go To Bed, Jerusalem Beard, Purple Salsify, Oat Root, and Vegetable Oyster Plant. 

This plant was popular in ancient Greece and was referred to as "billy goat's beard" because of its silky filaments that are on the end of the seeds.

The genus name, Tragopogon is derived from two Greek words. Tragos means goat and pogon means beard. 

The Oyster Plant was found in frescos in the ancient city ruins of Pompeii.

Medicinal Monday - Poison Sumac - A Virulent Weed

Poison Sumac looks deceivingly pretty especially in the fall with its bright red compound leaves and clusters of berries. Whatever you do, don't touch it! It is related to poison ivy and poison oak and will cause a terrible skin rash that swells and itches like crazy! Surprisingly, Native Americans figured out few ways to use this irksome plant that blankets the bogs and swamps and sometimes the woods of Connecticut and New England in general.

About Poison Sumac

Poison Sumac along with Poison Ivy and Poison Oak belongs to the cashew family. Poison sumac grows as a shrub or small tree and is found from Maine, south to Florida, and west to Texas. It thrives in wet soil and is most commonly encountered in swamps, marshes, and along the shorelines of rivers or ponds. This woody perennial averages five to six feet in height and can grow up to 25 feet. The oval leaves have smooth edges and grow in groups of seven to thirteen, with a single leaf on the end. The leaf stems are always red and the bark is grey and smooth. Small yellow flowers develop into pale yellow or creme-colored berries that droop in clusters. Plants reproduce from the seeds in the berries. 

These plants are poisonous if eaten and cause skin irritation to humans at all times of the year and at all stages of growth. All parts of the plant, except the pollen, contain urushiol, a toxin that causes irritation and blistering of the skin. To cause injury, urushiol must contact the skin, either directly by touching the plant, or indirectly by touching things that have touched the plant such as clothing, tools, animals, or firewood. 

Medicinal Uses of Poison Sumac

Although the Cherokee considered this shrub to be poisonous they used it in several interesting ways.  They used some form of this plant as a wash for ulcers and to treat fevers. They also used this plant to treat ulcerated bladders and took it for respiratory problems. There is no documentation on how this plant was used or what part was used to treat these illnesses. We do know that its milky juice was used to induce blistering.

Did You Know...

The sap of this shrub can be used to make a black varnish used in woodworking.

Bobwhites, pheasants, and grouse consume the fruits in the winter.

Poison Sumac belongs to the genus Toxicodendron whose name comes from the Greek word "toxic tree."

Other names for poison sumac include poison elder, poison dogwood, and poison ash.