Herbal Eye-Spy

[nag champa]

I spend alot of time foraging herbs and edibles in the wild; it's a richly rewarding hobby and and a valuable skill for anyone interested in herbalism or self-sufficiency. Even our own backyards can become an indispensable resource, if you know what to look for.

So here's a game to help train ourselves to sight-identify various herbs in their natural habits. I'll post the first picture showing a plant, and whomever names the herb correctly then posts another one for us to guess.

[nag champa]

Here's the first; who can identify it?

[HorseCrow]

Looks like Eyebright? Can't see the leaves too well.

[HorseCrow]

Ok, how about this one:

[nag champa]

Looks like Eyebright? Can't see the leaves too well.
Sure is! I thought I'd start with something which will keep our peepers going throughout this thread. :flowers:



Ok, how about this one:


*lathering up my hands*
Hmm. Looks like soapwort, to me. Aka "Bouncing Bet".

[nag champa]

If I'm right, here's the next; anyone know it? It's market value has lead to decreasing populations in the wild, so lets be happy collecting pictures only for this one..

[HorseCrow]

Golden seal.

This:

[HorseCrow]

Hint: it has orange sap.

[HorseCrow]

...and begins with C....

[nag champa]

...and begins with C....
:hmmmmm: Thanks for the hints, but I know it on sight; that's celandine! I'm too familiar with that one, as it's becoming a weedy invasive in some parts of NY. I'll continue that theme with another common roadside herb:

[nag champa]

Oooh, I just noticed the two little guys poking up at the bottom foreground of that picture... that makes three common but important herbs present in one shot! Extra credit to anyone who can name them all!

[HorseCrow]

Colt's foot, Palantin and the last one I believe is called Carpenters herb (not too sure of the English name, we call it Brunella).

[nag champa]

Colt's foot, Palantin and the last one I believe is called Carpenters herb (not too sure of the English name, we call it Brunella).
:yourock:
I've never heard of "Carpenter's Herb" before; I've only known that one as "self-heal" or "heal-all"... so I checked Grieve and *hooray*- they're one and the same!
:fpompoms

[HorseCrow]

This:

[nag champa]

Ooh, pretty! I think my cat would like this... he's a Valerian junkie.
Not sure on that, though... the flowers look rather more delicate than what I've found locally.

[nag champa]

How about:

[HorseCrow]

(Yes, valerian- I love this particular pic- I use it on my desktop).

Yours:
We call it inflated lobelia... I'm not too sure of the english name, but is it the one you call Indian tobacco? I think I have also heard it referred to as Puke Weed?

This:

[HorseCrow]

Hint: it is the root that is used...

[nag champa]

Yours:
We call it inflated lobelia... I'm not too sure of the english name, but is it the one you call Indian tobacco? I think I have also heard it referred to as Puke Weed?

Correct on all counts!

Yours:
I think that's Licorice, but I'm only going by what I recall seeing in books. I don't know that I've ever encountered this plant it in the wild; I think it only grows west of here. It's definately something in the pea family, possibly of the vicia... is it a vetch? Nah, I'm going with my intuition here, I'll say it's Licorice.

[nag champa]

I guess nobody else wants to play with us?
Sorry for the poor quality of this next pic, it was surprising difficult to get a decent shot which details the entire plant habit.

[HorseCrow]

I think that's Licorice.

Correct :)

Yours -> is St John's Wort . There is soooo much of it here this year. All the fallows are covered in them.

Ok, this:

[HorseCrow]

hint: first part of its name is "canada" or "canadian"...

[CzechWoods]

great thread. please keep it going :D

[HorseCrow]

great thread. please keep it going :D

Well- join in, have a guess! :lol:

[acorn elf]

This is annoying! I don't know aNy of them! ^^;

So I guess yours is ... the canadian fuzz poppy.

[CzechWoods]

ok, strats guessing: candadian yellow plant

[HorseCrow]

:rollingla

[CzechWoods]

:rollingla

must be i was pretty close :alol:

[HorseCrow]

must be i was pretty close :alol:

Well, if candadian = canadian, then you did get the first part right :T

[CzechWoods]

is it canadian herb then ?

or yellowtale ?

or yellow flower

aaah got it, its canadian yellflower :D
healing capacities: will make you yell at hubby: "Get me roses, its the Anniversary!"

[Bryony]

Roflmao!

[HorseCrow]

:lol:

It is Canadian Fleabane/ Canada Fleabane .

Ok, lets try a really easy one:

[acorn elf]

arg! I've even SEEN this one before! *whack in the head*

[HorseCrow]

Hint: its name makes you think of the rear-attachment of a certain animal...

[acorn elf]

Horsetail! Horsetail!

[HorseCrow]

Horsetail! Horsetail!

Well done :D Now you must post a picture of a new herb, so the game can continue.

[HorseCrow]

Since you are offline I will post one:

[AmethystFey]

Is it cowslip?

[nag champa]

Yay, new players!


... it's a bit hard to see the flower detail, but it looks to me like what is commonly called "pale jewelweed", Impatiens pallida ,although it's more properly refered to as pale touch-me-not; true Jewelweed is the orange spotted touch me not, Impatiens capensis, although there are several other similar varieties which are all used interchangeably. Also commonly called "Balsam Weed", the oxidized sap from the touch-me-nots are a fantastic remedy against insect and nettle stings, as well as offering relief from poison ivy and poison oak rashes.

[nag champa]

While waiting for acorn elf's submission, I'll post one which is familiar to all; having escaped cultivation, this herb is establishing itself in many wild areas dispite active campaigns for it's eradication.

[HorseCrow]

(Yes it is a touch-me-not, the variety of Impatiens noli-tangere)

Yours: Cannabis, hemp etc... many names for such a beloved herb :hehehehe:

This:

[CzechWoods]

dang I missed my opportunity to actually know at least one plant. will stick to the thread and be hoping

[acorn elf]

I hope you're not still waiting for mine... I can't answer any of these new ones -_-
That one looks like popcorn, does that count?

[CzechWoods]

I hope you're not still waiting for mine... I can't answer any of these new ones -_-
That one looks like popcorn, does that count?

glad i am not the only one here who is plant-naming-challenged :elf:

_whistle_ _whistle_ _whistle_ _whistle_ _whistle_ _whistle_ _whistle_ :weirdsmil

[HorseCrow]

Ok, this one is ONLY for the herbally challenged :

[acorn elf]

OM. :alol:

woo. (dandelion...)

what can I put up...an easy one. Here.

[Bryony]

Single leaf parsley.

[acorn elf]

nope, sorry it's cilantro. They look about the same though, and you can't smell a picture. Your turn!

[Bryony]

Yes, and the leaves are fuzzy in the big version. Well phooey.

Karma poke for anyone that guesses my avatar.

Edited to say: the FIRST person to guess it.

[nag champa]

HorseCrow, I think you've stumped me; I have never seen, nor do I recognize, the plant pictured in post #41. It's a very distinctive plant, and I thought for sure I must know it... but I've racked my brain and come up short.

[nag champa]

Karma poke for anyone that guesses my avatar.

It's you; White Bryony. :nyah:

[nag champa]

it's cilantro.
Heh. I've always found it's strange that I can't stand the taste of cilantro, while corriander is one of my favorite spices. Most people complain when their cilantro bolts early; I encourage mine to. :dinnertim

[Bryony]

*giggle* yep, Nag...

[Bryony]

(Yes it is a touch-me-not, the variety of Impatiens noli-tangere)

Yours: Cannabis, hemp etc... many names for such a beloved herb :hehehehe:

This:

I can tell you what it ISN'T, which is anything located around where I'm from (pacific northwest).

I can tell it's some sort of shrub, not a wildflower, a tree, etc...

[Bryony]

Here's an easyish one:

[HorseCrow]

HorseCrow, I think you've stumped me; I have never seen, nor do I recognize, the plant pictured in post #41. It's a very distinctive plant, and I thought for sure I must know it... but I've racked my brain and come up short.

It is Senna- the #1 herb for constipation, even the toughest cronic constipation must give way. It gets flat pea-like pods that you use.

[nag champa]

Yarg!!!! Senna!
doh!

[HorseCrow]

:T

[HorseCrow]

Bryony- can you get a pic that is a bit closer? I cannot really see the leaves properly. From the shape of it it almost looks like hazel, but not.

[Bryony]

I'll see what I can do.

[Bryony]

I resized it, I hope that helps...

[HorseCrow]

I resized it, I hope that helps...

It is still the same size when I open it, still can't see the leaves clearly.

[Bryony]

Oy... I'll find another picture.

[Bryony]

Okay, here are just the leaves. I hope it is big enough.

[HorseCrow]

That is much better :)

It does not look 100% like any bushes in my area, though it comes close to a number of varieties of alder/alder buckthorn, witchhazel or even some kinds of elm...

[HorseCrow]

To keep the thread going, I'm posting a new herb.
So, have a guess at this one:

[HorseCrow]

:bumpsmili

[acorn elf]

Why, of course! That's the North Carolina Fuzz Lily! 0.0

[goblinhill]

I think it might be a bogbean??

[nag champa]

I think it might be a bogbean??
Sure looks like it to me! _twohorns_ :yourock:

[goblinhill]

Wow. Go Me hunh? :rollingla


Ok hows about this one? http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a289/goblinhill/Herb1.jpg

[HorseCrow]

Comfrey :)

[HorseCrow]

This:

[nag champa]

At first glance, I thought this was a cinquefoil, until I did a double take and noticed it was a petal short! :confused: So, I'll regard it as a Potentilla, and assume it's Tormentil?

[HorseCrow]

Yep, tormentil it is :)

[HorseCrow]

Ok, keeping th thread going, with an easy one:

[HorseCrow]

:bumpsmili

[acorn elf]

I just don't know it! *cries* lol lol ^^;

[nag champa]

Ok, keeping th thread going, with an easy one:
It's a datura; thornapple.

Don't worry, I've no intention of abandoning this thread; I only have internet access at work, and am unable to check in as often as I would like.

How about this:

[nag champa]

Hint: It's an aromatic creeping evergreen which bears insipid red berries...

[Bryony]

That is much better :)

It does not look 100% like any bushes in my area, though it comes close to a number of varieties of alder/alder buckthorn, witchhazel or even some kinds of elm...

Yes, witch hazel.

I wandered off and forgot about this thread!!

[HorseCrow]

Nag- is it teaberry? We don't have it where I live, but I think I recognize it from books :)

This:

[nag champa]

Nag- is it teaberry? We don't have it where I live, but I think I recognize it from books
Yep. :)
Teaberry wintergreen

Yours is a bit hard to see... are those leaves, or seedpods? :nyah: Looks like a mustard, if the latter.

[HorseCrow]

Here is a close-up of the flowers:

[HorseCrow]

It is Wallflower...

Ok, this then:

[HorseCrow]

Hint:
Begins with an A in both English and Latin....

[nag champa]

Here is a close-up of the flowers:
Nope. I don't recognize it.


It is wallflower

Huh. I've never even heard of that one, outside the colloquial use of the term as refering to a shy and reticient person. What's it used for? At least I had the family right! :p

[nag champa]

Ok, this then:
Wow, I'm really off my game today... that one's not familiar either. :ggrief:
Almost looks like a nightshade, but I don't think it is one.

[acorn elf]

IS it Aster? That's the only thing I can think of for A besides asparagus.

[HorseCrow]

Nag- wallflower is used for a number of ailments, including; diseases of the eyes, diuretic, expectorant, Anti-Rheumatic, good for the stomach, anti-convulsant, Laxative, weak nerves, to bring on menstruation, nephralgia, Tonic, and even as an aphrodisiac.

The last one is not asters. It is Alkanet. Used as an Antidepressant, Anti-diarrheic, cardiac stimulant, for melancholy, diuretic, Laxative, expectorant and even in the cure of plague.

Ok, easy one now- a real witches herb:

[nag champa]

Nag- wallflower is used for a number of ailments, including; diseases of the eyes, diuretic, expectorant, Anti-Rheumatic, good for the stomach, anti-convulsant, Laxative, weak nerves, to bring on menstruation, nephralgia, Tonic, and even as an aphrodisiac.

Thanks!



Ok, easy one now- a real witches herb:
:tongueout Could it be... mandrake? :uhhhhh:

[HorseCrow]

Could it be... mandrake?

Yes it could :)
Your turn to post one.... :bouncybob

[nag champa]

Yes it could :)
Your turn to post one.... :bouncybob
How about this...

[goblinhill]

Is it a Pheasant Bush? Leycesteria Formosa :hmmmmm:

[HorseCrow]

My guess is Pokeweed or Poke root (Phytolacca americana syn. Phytolacca decandra )... don't know if that is the same as Pheasants Bush....

[acorn elf]

haHA you said it first but I think it's poke..thing too. For red dye!

[AmethystFey]

We call that a Poke Plant too:) LOL.

[HorseCrow]

Ok an easy one, this is one of my favorite:

[nag champa]

Yes, that is poke; poke weed, poke root, poke berry, etc. :fpoke:
I can see how one might confuse it with Leycesteria formosa, aka Himalyan Honeysuckle, as both plants droop with purple bracts of nearly translucent berries; poke berries, however, are generally considered poisonous, whereas the berries of Leycesteria Formosa can be eaten with impunity.

HorseCrow, yours is a dock... most likely Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus ), although I'd have to cut the root to know for sure.

[nag champa]

Here's one of my favorites...

[mothwench]

uhh... some boggy thistle? :lol: my, you guys are advanced. i wandered in here thinking i could spot pictures of lavender and thyme and suchlike. :hmmmmm:

[banondraig]

uhh... some boggy thistle? :lol: my, you guys are advanced. i wandered in here thinking i could spot pictures of lavender and thyme and suchlike. :hmmmmm:

yeah, they are. i knew the pokeberry bush right away though! *preens*

[nag champa]

Here's a hint... the common name for this herb was derived from it's historical use as treatment for dengue fever.

[mothwench]

okay, i think i know what it is now, but only after i googled. if that's considered cheating, then i'll let someone else guess what it is.

[banondraig]

Here's a hint... the common name for this herb was derived from it's historical use as treatment for dengue fever.

with hint, b/c otherwise i'd be clueless, feverfew???

[mothwench]

my google expedition led me to a plant called boneset. is that right? i thought it was feverfew, or feverwort, at first, but they both look quite different.

[nag champa]

:fpompoms Yes, Mothwench got it. :graduate:
The severe deep-tissue aches associated with Dengue Fever has given rise to the common name "break-bone fever"; this herb, which remains the most powerful and effective treatment for cold and flu symptoms, has thus been dubbed Boneset. The plant is easily recognized by it's distinctive elongated diamond-shaped opposite perfoliate leaves.

Your turn to post one. :)

[mothwench]

yay! :woot:

okay... i'll post a tricky one for you advanced herbeologists... as well as a nice and easy one, for people like me and banon. :alol: i hope that's okay with you guys. :smile:

[banondraig]

um, is the one on the right a pansy?

[mothwench]

no... :whistle: i'll give you a hint: it's edible.

[mothwench]

tastes like radishes. ;) if you google "edible flowers" you should be able to spot it.

[goblinhill]

Hi, I think its a nasturtium?? Peppery mmm

[mothwench]

you is cowwect. :toofless: your turn. :smile:

[goblinhill]

Wow. I got one right :thumbsup:

Try this one
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a289/goblinhill/Herb2.jpg

[HorseCrow]

Looks like Blackberry / Bramble- definetely the a variety of rubus.

This:

[nag champa]

Looks like burdock, to me... although it's hard to tell for sure without flowers or fruits.

[acorn elf]

Not cabbage, then? ^^ (don't worry, it's not that bad..)

[HorseCrow]

Yep, burdock it is :)

[nag champa]

:woot:
Okay, how about:

[mothwench]

looks a wee bit like evening primrose... but i'm not 100% sure.

[HorseCrow]

Looks like Mullein to me.

[nag champa]

Looks like Mullein to me.
:thumbsup:

[HorseCrow]

Ok, this one:

[HorseCrow]

Hint: It is a very midwife-ish herb.... also used in a lot of magick....

[mothwench]

i must say, i've never seen it before. :foh: where is it native? (i'm no good with plants that don't grow in my area. :bigredblu )

[HorseCrow]

It is Birthwort (Aristolochia clematitis L.) I believe its origins are in Middle- and Southern Europe, but it is found throughout the world as it is planted in gardens etc.

Ok, easy one then:

[mothwench]

blackthorn? i'm pretty sure it's blackthorn...

[HorseCrow]

blackthorn? i'm pretty sure it's blackthorn...

Yep- it is. Your turn :)

[mothwench]

yay! :yayhawaii


this little herb is available in blue, too. it was once used as a general cure for insanity.

[acorn elf]

Ooh I've never seen it, but is it a primrose?

[mothwench]

no... i'll give a hint, cause it's a hard one. it shares it's name with a broadway musical show.

[CzechWoods]

CATS!

no wait

Phantom of teh Opera !

no, HAIR!!!!

[Akashic Brother]

is it Scarlet Pimpernel?

[mothwench]

is it Scarlet Pimpernel?
yes it is! :uhhuhuh: go, you! :thewave:

[mothwench]

CATS!

no wait

Phantom of teh Opera !

no, HAIR!!!!
:alol:

[CzechWoods]

JC superstar then ?

[mothwench]

:T no! :fishsmack: akashic brother already got it.

[CzechWoods]

damn :lol:

[Akashic Brother]

here's an easy one...

[mothwench]

i'd say anemone nemorosa but it has too many petals. :hmmmmm:

[CzechWoods]

star of betlehem ?

[Akashic Brother]

star of betlehem ?
sorry. Good try though.

HINT: you would see it in the woods in early spring.

[nag champa]

Wow, I've been away from this thread for too long!

Akashic Brother, I believe the herb you've posted is bloodroot.

[nag champa]

I don't think we've posted this one yet:

[mothwench]

borage?

[nag champa]

:fpompoms Yep. :abanana:

[mothwench]

cool, i love borage, such pretty flowers. :floating:

okay... ummm.... two pics of the same herb here.

[Akashic Brother]

Could it be wild garlic (allium) ?

[HorseCrow]

Could it be wild garlic (allium) ?

I'll second that- Ramsons.

[mothwench]

wild garlic it is. :smile: allium ursinum, aka bears garlic aka ramson. :woot:

[Akashic Brother]

sweet! Here's a bugger that gets around my gardens.

[yavanna]

I think its black medic (Medicago lupulina), am I right?

[Akashic Brother]

I think its black medic (Medicago lupulina), am I right?
Yes you are!

[yavanna]

Ok, so I'm going to post two because one is a prarie plant and I'm not sure how many people are familiar with prarie plants, so it could be way harder than I intend it to be.

Here's #1:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b367/yavannakementari/herb1.jpg

Here's Number two, it should be more familliar to you:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b367/yavannakementari/herb2.jpg



Good Luck, If no one gets them in a day or so I'll post a hint :D

[yavanna]

The picture of the first herb is not so great, so here's another to help:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b367/yavannakementari/herb3.jpg

[Akashic Brother]

Is it Rattlesnake Master.. Eryngium yuccifolium?

[yavanna]

Awesome! I wasn't sure if prairie plants were as familliar to everyone else as they are to me. The other one is Blue Cohosh.

Your turn :D

[Akashic Brother]

woo-hoo, yeah i like plants from everywhere. hehe.
I like this herb, very showy. A little colour for the thread.

[nag champa]

Is it Bee Balm? Locally, only the smaller purple variety, known as Bergamot or Oswego Tea, is found.

[Akashic Brother]

Yes it is!

[nag champa]

Yes it is!
Sweet. :bouncysmi
How about this:

[HorseCrow]

That looks like calamus.

This one:

[nag champa]

That looks like calamus
Yes. :thumbsup: Sweet Flag, Calamus, Sweet Sedge... Acorus calamus

Yours looks like the one we call Yellow Sweet Clover (Melilotus officinalis), but I don't know if it has a less generic common name.

[HorseCrow]

I never heard it by that name- I know it by the name of Melilot (common, ribbed, tall), but you are right with the latin :) Your turn :)

[nag champa]

:boing:

Okay... how about this one.

[mothwench]

:hmmmmm: looks like blueberry... no! cranberry?

eta: not cranberry after all... i think they are blueberry flowers. :cutie:

[nag champa]

Nuh uh.
Here's a hint: The leaves of this plant have been used traditionally as a foundation material for ritual smoking. :fpipesmok

[mothwench]

okay... bear berries, then. :toofless: (uva ursi) but i must admit, i wouldn't have got that without the hint. :hmmmmm:

eta: oh! bear berries is what i call moss berries, i found moss berry juice at the local supermarket and have become addicted to it. :floating: it's yummy.

[nag champa]

okay... bear berries, then. :toofless: (uva ursi)

:yourock: Yep, bearberry.
Also known as- uva ursi, mountain cranberry, sandberry, arberry, bear's grape, kinnikinnick, mealberry, mountain box, red bearberry, sagackhomi, rockberry, upland cranberry, hogberry. Wow. :awilly:

Note how the leathery spatulate entire leaves serve to distinguish this plant, when compared to the minutely toothed narrowly lance-shaped leaves of blueberry.

[banondraig]

so that's what i've been drinking over at mothy's house! :lol:

[nag champa]

so that's what i've been drinking over at mothy's house! :lol:
:tongueout :cheers: :drinking: :abanana:

[mothwench]

yup. :smile: we have to try that mixing-with-ginger-ale thingy. :boing:

right then... new herb, let's see...

okay, i posted this one before, that time i posted two, one easy one and one hard one, and someone guessed the easy one but not this one. :elf:

hint: it has very romantic-sounding names. :hearteyes:

[nag champa]

Didn't someone already get this one? :confused:
I think it's herb-paris (Paris quadrifolia).

[mothwench]

eerrrmm... no, they didn't, afaik, and yes, it is. :T herb paris, aka true love, paris quadrifolia. your turn. :thewave:

[nag champa]

:shift:
Okay... this one is pretty easy but I love the pic:

[nag champa]

No one? A hint, then... the prickly flower clusters give way to sharply spined seed cases.

[mothwench]

no idea what it is. :wah: the only notion i might have is that it could be related to cannabis?

[CzechWoods]

is it DISTEL ?

damn must go look what distel is in english

eta
THISTLE! :braindrai

[Akashic Brother]

I thought maybe stachys but I could not find a palmatly compound variety. But I'd say it is either a nettle or a mint, prolly nettle.

[nag champa]

Akashic Brother was closest in finding it among the mint family; it's Leonurus cardiaca... commonly known as motherwort. I've also heard it called lion's ear, or lion's tail.

[CzechWoods]

awww :sadman:

[mothwench]

Akashic Brother was closest in finding it among the mint family; it's Leonurus cardiaca... commonly known as motherwort. I've also heard it called lion's ear, or lion's tail.
i've never even heard of it. :foh: so it's AB's turn, right?

[nag champa]

As the common name implies, motherwort is useful in uterine and menstrual conditions, and is also vaulable for conditioning and normalizing the heart, as the species name indicates.

Yes, Akashic Brother is up, but in the mean time...
Someone is sure to recognize this:
Hint: :cheers:

[mothwench]

hops. :toofless: i know my beer, man! :drinking:

[nag champa]

:clapping: :woot:
'Tis indeed! :vanish:

[mothwench]

yeah... i just wish it didn't smell so horribly evil. like old socks. bleugh. :sick: otherwise i'd hang some in my room, cause i think it's perty. :hearteyes

[mothwench]

nag champa, can i ask you a question while we're waiting for AB to return with a new eye-spy? i've been trying to find out the ideal time (moon in whatever sign, waxing or waning???) to harvest herbs. all i seem to find is information regarding sowing, planting, watering and fertilizing, but never anything about gathering. do you happen to know anything about that?
:huh:

[nag champa]

:nuhuh: :eyez: :blech:
Yeah, few things can stink up a house like a strong hops/valerian decoction.

[mothwench]

*nod* i once made valerian tea, to be able to sleep better. i spent most of the night brushing my teeth over and over again to get the foul taste out of my mouth. :rotfl:

[nag champa]

nag champa, can i ask you a question while we're waiting for AB to return with a new eye-spy? i've been trying to find out the ideal time (moon in whatever sign, waxing or waning???) to harvest herbs. all i seem to find is information regarding sowing, planting, watering and fertilizing, but never anything about gathering. do you happen to know anything about that?
:huh:
I generally don't pay much mind to it, unless I'm harvesting the herb for ritual/magical use, in which case I harvest at the moon which is most appropriate to the herb's nature.

[mothwench]

i see... :hmmmmm: what, you mean like cunningham's elemental correspondences or do you use a different system?

[Akashic Brother]

Hello, in a book I have it says that since a plant is mostly made of water that harvesting during a waxing moon promotes stronger potency for leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds. But a new moon is best for roots. It says that this is less important for medicinal and more important for magical properties. Also chemical constituents are said to be stronger in the morning but for roots it is evening.

Anyways I guess it is my turn to post! Even though I didn't really guess it, so here it is.

[nag champa]

i see... :hmmmmm: what, you mean like cunningham's elemental correspondences or do you use a different system?
I've never read Cunningham, but I guess it could be regarded as elemental correspondence... for example, if I were to make mugwort infusion to fill my scrying bowl, I would harvest the leaves at the dark of the moon; when the lunar influence is in accord with the the plant spirit's nature.

[nag champa]

Hello, in a book I have it says that since a plant is mostly made of water that harvesting during a waxing moon promotes stronger potency for leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds. But a new moon is best for roots.

I would argue that when using herbs in magical operations, one is working with the spirit of the plant, not it's body. I can understand the notion that if a plant is mostly water, and the moon can influences the tide, then the plant's potency should ebb and flow as well... I just don't agree with it.



Anyways I guess it is my turn to post! Even though I didn't really guess it, so here it is.
It's hard to tell without the flowers, but it looks like a Chamomile to me.

[Akashic Brother]

I totally agree that the spirit can be of aid in magic workings. Mostly though I class magical with medicinal as there sometimes seems to be a fine line. An herb that opens psychic centres and promotes astral travel is said to be magical properties, but at the same time is used medicinally for depression and meditation. It reminds me of 'back in the day' when an herb cured a major illness it was called magic. I guess I just think that the 'magic' of a plant is everything it offers really.

Yes it does closely resemble Chamomile and is in the same family, the main difference is the mature flower.

[mothwench]

I totally agree that the spirit can be of aid in magic workings. Mostly though I class magical with medicinal as there sometimes seems to be a fine line. An herb that opens psychic centres and promotes astral travel is said to be magical properties, but at the same time is used medicinally for depression and meditation. It reminds me of 'back in the day' when an herb cured a major illness it was called magic. I guess I just think that the 'magic' of a plant is everything it offers really.

i agree... take lemon balm for instance. by no means is it scientifically proven that it aids against anxiety and depression, but it certainly lifts my spirits. so is that medicinal, magical, or both? :chatty:
anyway, thank you both very much for your help on this one. _pounce_

as for the herb, again, i haven't a clue. :confused:

[CzechWoods]

i believe that by making divisons between madical and magical etc, we lose the holistic (complete) point of view.


mostly different terms are used for teh convenicnce of this or that minded audience

to me it is not important why something works but that it does and how (meaning influence)

just thought i d point that out.

is the plant roman chamomilla ?

[nag champa]

Yes it does closely resemble Chamomile and is in the same family, the main difference is the mature flower.
Ah, there's the flower. It's Matricaria matricarioides, Pineapple Weed.

[Akashic Brother]

Ah, there's the flower. It's Matricaria matricarioides, Pineapple Weed.
You're it!

[nag champa]

:awilly:

[Akashic Brother]

Is it Urtica dioica, stinging nettle?

[mothwench]

aww, damn, i got here too late... i would have known that one. i have enough of them in the garden. :p

[SoulHealer]

aww, damn, i got here too late... i would have known that one. i have enough of them in the garden. :p

Least you didn't nearly sit on one like I did the other day :lol:

[yavanna]

Outch! Did you at least have any Jewel Weed nearby?

[mothwench]

why, would that help the ouchies?

*mental note: google "jewel weed"*

[SoulHealer]

There was dock near by and as I was at my horse there was some goof herbal creams in his first aid kit (my horse has a herbal first aid kit as well as a more convential one)

[yavanna]

If you break the stem and put the juice on the affected area it helps. It also helps with Poison Ivy. But I love jewel weed because the seeds explode when you touch it. I love it :D

[yavanna]

There was dock near by and as I was at my horse there was some goof herbal creams in his first aid kit (my horse has a herbal first aid kit as well as a more convential one)

Well that's good at least, its good to be prepared.

[nag champa]

Is it Urtica dioica, stinging nettle?
Sure is. Great plant, one of my favorites. Most people don't realize that nettle is a more nutritious pot herb than even spinach; it's delicious, and has great potential for large-scale cultivation.

[nag champa]

why, would that help the ouchies?

*mental note: google "jewel weed"*
I think HorseCrow posted a jewelweed further back in this thread, if you're wondering how to identify it. :nicetie:

[mothwench]

i found loads of pictures on google. :smile: and thus found out what the funny plants with the yellow flowers are that grow all around the forest here, the ones i had always wondered what they were... :woot:

:idea: i'm going to go sting myself with a stinging nettle and then find some jewel weed to see if it really works. :T

[Akashic Brother]

From what I've read jewelweed seems to counteract the chemicals that cause the irritation and rashing. It has been called Nature's Poison Ivy remedy, and is often found growing near poison ivy and stinging nettle. Pretty cool.
Here is another plant that is usually available to rub on a nettle sting, or any sting really.

[yavanna]

It looks like plaintain. Its it Plantago lanceolata?

My DH and I make a kick butt salve out of plantain and yarrow. It works well as a topical remedy for burns, bites, rashes of all kinds, esp diaper rash.

[Akashic Brother]

It looks like plaintain. Its it Plantago lanceolata?


:thewave:

[yavanna]

Here you all go! Hint: This plant is native to North America :flowers:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b367/yavannakementari/plant.jpg

[Akashic Brother]

Lilium michiganense - Michigan Lily!

[yavanna]

You are correct :D

[Akashic Brother]

Yay! Here is another pretty flower!

[yavanna]

Is it pasque flower, (Pulsatilla patens or Anemone patens)?

[Akashic Brother]

Is it pasque flower, (Pulsatilla patens or Anemone patens)?
That's it!

[yavanna]

That's it!


Awesome :D

Here's one of my absolute favorites.

Its funny, the proff I worked under during my botany internship at ames iowa used to play a game similar to this with another proff at the university. They'd go to far off regions of the world for lecture trips, field study etc... and bring back dried up bits of plants and chalenge eachother to name them. Of course, once my proff brought back a nasty dried up green bit of something and convinced the other proff that it was a philodendren but it was really a dried up gecko! :smile:

[Akashic Brother]

Eupatorium perfoliatum or boneset. That's strange what your prof did. lol. I couldn't imagine some of my, very serious, plant ID teachers holding a piece of dried gecko and trying to ID it. :hmmmmm:

[Akashic Brother]

This plant might be tough to ID, so I'm posting two pics of it. It has alot of interesting backround and uses.

[yavanna]

Good Job ;D

Yup, but these guys were -crazy- My proff wanted to make fun of the other proff so he tricked him into thinking it was a dried leaf. Pretty clever, and creul... The same proff has a competition with another collegue to see who can slip the most uncommon words into journal articles.

Man, I'm glad I'm not in academia, I'd be crazy like that too LOL

[yavanna]

Oh yeah, Its hard to see from the pics, but is the plant Sea Rocket, Cakile edentula?

[Akashic Brother]

The same proff has a competition with another collegue to see who can slip the most uncommon words into journal articles.
Ha HA ha! That would be a hilarious game for sure.


No it's not Cakile, here's a hint. This plant is sweeter then sugar and needs no refining.

[nag champa]

Is it stevia? I've never seen the plant, so I'm just guessing from your hint.

[yavanna]

Oh I'll be your right Nag Champa, I'll bet it is Stevia.

LOL

[Akashic Brother]

Is it stevia? I've never seen the plant, so I'm just guessing from your hint.
yep it's Stevia. :woot:

[nag champa]

Sweet! :tongueout
Too sweet, actually... I've found that using even a tiny amount in my coffee overpowers the nuances of the brew... I'll stick with cane sugar, but this plant holds great promise for diabetics, and those wishing to reduce their consumption of empty calories. Has the FDA gotten over itself yet and deregulated the use of stevia as a commercial sweetener?

Here's a cool one:

[yavanna]

Oh Oh, Indian Pipe! Its my FAVE :D

I see it all the time in the oak forest by my community garden. And also up in Russ Forest in Michigan.

[nag champa]

:clapping: Yup, you got it!
I love Indian Pipe, and take pains to avoid treading it when hiking the deep hemlock forests which blanket the mountains near my home... it's just cool, ya know? I've never harvested or used it, it's mere presence seems to demand respect... no minor accomplishment for such a diminutive and innocuous plant. :uhhuhuh:

You're up.

[yavanna]

I adore indian pipe so much, I was tempted to post squa (sp?) root in keeping with the plant/fungi symbiosis theme, but I couldn't find a good pic.

Ok, this one's really easy but I had to post it. I just -love- perfoliate plants:loveduv:

[Akashic Brother]

Silphium perfoliatum or cup plant?

[yavanna]

You are correct! Have a cookie and bring forth the next plant :YAY

[Akashic Brother]

Sweet! :tongueout
Too sweet, actually... I've found that using even a tiny amount in my coffee overpowers the nuances of the brew... I'll stick with cane sugar, but this plant holds great promise for diabetics, and those wishing to reduce their consumption of empty calories. Has the FDA gotten over itself yet and deregulated the use of stevia as a commercial sweetener?

No I don't think aspertame's bribe has worn out yet! It's crazy really, a sugar that regulates blood sugars, and even fights cavities! Here in Ontario they have done some experimental crop testing on Stevia as an annual crop. If I wasn't into the nursery trade I would think about growing it. I grew a few plants in my garden, but I haven't used it practically yet.


Here is a plant I see around quite often, extra points if you know what kind of butterfly is in the pic!

[mothwench]

is it red valerian? don't know about the butterfly, i'm more of a moth person. ;)

eta: no, scratch that, it looks more like common valerian, but then, i've not seen it in those colours before. :huh:

[Akashic Brother]

nope sorry... This plant was named after a nineteenth century American who used it to cure typhus fever. It's also closely related to one of the last 5 plants posted in this thread!

[nag champa]

It's Eupatorium purpureum, commonly called Joe Pye Weed (although I've always heard that Jo-pi was a native american who lived in colonial times; I'll have to check into the date now). It's also known as purple boneset.

ETA: Checked into the name; used as early as the mid 1700's, it's origin is unclear. Legend has it that the indian healer Jo-Pi used the plant to treat fevers in colonial New England, but legend may have it wrong... jopi was apparently a native word for typhus.

[yavanna]

I love the name Joe Pye Weed, it just sounds like something my dad would have chewed back on the farm :lol:

[Akashic Brother]

Joe Pye it is! Yeah I've read about the jopi indian thing as well, hard to say I guess where it really came from! I guess it depends on who wrote the history book! lol

[nag champa]

This one has several common names, which are easily accounted for. :tongueout

[Akashic Brother]

It looks like Aconitum napellus, monkshood? I heard Indians used aconite in making poison arrows or darts.

[mothwench]

oh, that's so unfair! :awilly: whenever i come in here and actually know one of the plants you post, someone else was quicker. :razz: lol! my fault for staying away, right? ;)
yes it is definately aconite, i have it in my garden. :bubbles:

[nag champa]

:thumbsup:
That's it! Aconitum napellus; Aconite, monkshood, wolf's bane (A. lycotonum ), Friar's cap... I've also heard of it used in that way, A.B; the method that comes to mind involved pounding the roots with yellow fat and ashes, which was then boiled and strained. I've always been tempted to try it.

[CzechWoods]

oh, that's so unfair! :awilly: whenever i come in here and actually know one of the plants you post, someone else was quicker. :razz: lol! my fault for staying away, right? ;)
yes it is definately aconite, i have it in my garden. :bubbles:

dont complain.

whenever i come here they post plants i never knew
:fpompoms :fpraiseyo

[Akashic Brother]

I have been tempted to try that as well, or to have a collection of different ones. I'd probably die though while trying to make it. :collapse:

I guess you'd call this plant a heart stimulator...

[nag champa]

I have been tempted to try that as well, or to have a collection of different ones.

I've wanted to grow a poison garden for some time now; I've actually planned what I would grow, the layout... even the border (thistles and nettles, to keep curious hands away!). But alas, the wife isn't too keen on the idea.

Mothwench is probably going to kill me for answering, since I'm sure she knows this one... but it looks Digitalis purpurea, foxglove.

[Akashic Brother]

Yup Digitalis purpurea, you got it. Personally I like the yellow cultivar better. A poison garden would be great, especially if you could attain many many different types to implement. The more the merrier I think, at least for a poison garden.

[nag champa]

_happydanc

The Duchess of Northumberland has opened a poison garden to the public; unfortunately, I'm on the wrong continent to visit without considerable expense. :sniffsnif

Hopefully, this fascinating plant will be featured prominently.