So, I have another food blog coming up - Ramps, Morels and Beaver meat. I am waiting on some pictures, however, and will have to be satisfied with this blog for the time being. These pictures are all from the Edie Road portion of the Wilton Wildlife Preserve. It was raining on and off and the mosquitoes were horrendous. I am going out again as soon as I finish this post...
Starflowers are blooming in force right now. The Ojibwe people used the root of this plant in a smoking mixture burned to attract deer
Fringed Polygala - besides being very pretty this plant can be used to increase milk production, as a stimulant, to induce sweating or as a general tonic. It is in the Milkwort family of which some members are highly regarded as important medicinal plants.
Wood Anemone
Taking pictures was brutal today - if I stopped for even 10 seconds I was covered in mosquitoes.
High-bush Blueberries. I have never seen so many low and high bush blueberries growing in one place before. There must be 20 acres of thick growth berries. I am pretty sure I will be spending several days here when the berries are ripe next month.
Edible Cinnamon Fern - if you are willing to rub off the fuzzy exterior which is not fun at all
Sarsaparilla - this Ginseng relative has been widely used for centuries to treat all sorts of ailments but most commonly for ulcerous sores and other skin conditions as well as to staunch bleeding. More recent studies have pointed towards it's being an effective treatment for cancer. Sarsaparilla has been used by many cultures for many years to make beverages; beer, wine, tonics, and of course root beer. The roots can also be eaten.
Sassafras seedling
Bastard Toadflax
Blue Lupine leaves
Blue Lupine. This sandy meadow has been preserved as habitat for an endangered butterfly species (Karner Blue). The Lupine which grows there is said butterfly's primary food source. Lupine can also be eaten by humans - the roots roasted and ground into flour. Be careful, if you eat the raw roots you may be in for a toxin-induced stupor. Actually, Lupine has been used as a calming sleep aid. The seeds can be eaten , though they sometimes need to be leached.
Fuzzy Oak leaves
Pussy-willows
A nice bunch of Partridge Berries
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