Tag Archives: medicinal uses

Joe-Pye weed is a pasture nightmare but a hot perennial ornamental

Posted on August 27, 2019 by tedmanzer

My father-in-law fought this weed voraciously. It would sometimes fill up the hillsides and bottoms, hiding his cattle. Sometimes it seemed the more he clipped it, the thicker it got. He would turn over in his grave if he saw … Continue reading →

Posted in general nature | Tagged common pasure weed, Eutrochium purpureum, few disease and insect problems, flower arrangements, joe-pye weed, low palatability, medicinal uses, ornamental perennial, wildflower | 7 Comments

Evening primrose is a stunning native wildflower

Posted on September 11, 2018 by tedmanzer

Everyone has seen those tall weeds with long narrow leaves and covered with cup-shaped yellow flowers. Sometimes they can grow to be five feet tall. For foragers and herbalists, it has a bounty of uses. The plant in question is … Continue reading →

Posted in foraging | Tagged biennial, edible, edible flowers, essential fatty acid, Evening primrose, large roots, long narrow leaves, medicinal uses, native plant, Oenothera biennis, Omega-6, pasture plant, prolific seed producer, tall weeds, well-drained soils | 1 Comment

Bridal veil spiraea is a showy shrub that handles cold

Posted on March 27, 2018 by tedmanzer

Bridal veil spiraea (Spiraea prunifolia) is one of my favorite spring flowering shrubs and it will thrive when winter temperatures dip into the -30s. The most common type of these white spring flowering shrubs is usually referred to as Vanhoutte … Continue reading →

Posted in general nature | Tagged Bridal veil spiraea, flower on last year's wood, great in arrangements, growth habit like forsythia, medicinal uses, not invasive, not native, old-fashioned shrub, Spiraea prunifolia, Vanhoutte spiraea, white flowers | 5 Comments

English ivy is one of the most versatile and invasive plants around

Posted on February 27, 2018 by tedmanzer

Many people who don’t have it growing on their property want it. Those who have it usually want to get rid of it. Once established, English ivy (Hedera helix) can take over a wall, tree or forest floor. I don’t … Continue reading →

Posted in general nature | Tagged climbing evergreen vine, clinging adventitious roots, English Ivy, forms a barrier, Hedera helix, high organic matter, medicinal uses, not native, provides insulation, Sun or shade, traps water | 3 Comments

Honey has many sweet uses

Posted on February 13, 2018 by tedmanzer

Nearly everyone has used honey as a sweetener. It is far sweeter per gram than table sugar. That means fewer calories per serving. About thirty-five years ago I remember watching my future father-in-law dehorning cattle. After tying off exposed bleeding … Continue reading →

Posted in foraging | Tagged antimicrobial properties, antioxidants, flavonoids, honey, insulin resistance, medicinal uses, pasteurized honey, raw honey | Leave a comment

Spanish moss is a natural fixture in southeastern landscapes

Posted on December 25, 2017 by tedmanzer

Now that leaves have fallen, Spanish moss has become more noticeable. Long strands of gray hang from trees like tinsel near our abundant swamplands. Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) isn’t a moss at all. It’s not even from Spain. It’s a … Continue reading →

Posted in general nature | Tagged Bordeaux mixture, bromeliad, crafts, decoration, epiphyte, lime and copper sulfate, lower blood sugar, medicinal uses, pineapple family, Spanish moss, Tillandsia usneoides | 3 Comments

Ironweed is a dreaded pasture weed with ornamental potential

Posted on September 26, 2017 by tedmanzer

My father-in-law would turn over in his grave. Ironweed is now a highly promoted ornamental perennial plant in many garden centers. He spent much of his life trying to get rid of it. Ironweed (Vernonia sp.) is a tall perennial … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged adaptable to any soil type, ironweed, medicinal uses, native plant, ornamental use, pasture weed, pollinator attractant, prolific seed producer, rhizomes, unpalatable, Vernonia | Leave a comment

More and more people are discovering lemongrass

Posted on August 10, 2017 by tedmanzer

When we think of herbs, usually culinary uses come to mind first. We generally learn about other values later. Lemongrass is a fine example and the name fits. You can’t miss the lemon scent. Lemongrass contains chemicals used to repel … Continue reading →

Posted in foraging | Tagged aromatherapy, essential oil, grilling, lemongrass, medicinal uses, pleasing lemon scent, repels mosquitoes, six feet tall. stir-fry, well-drained soils | 2 Comments

Is there a more versatile plant than sage?

Posted on August 7, 2017 by tedmanzer

A discussion of perennial herbs wouldn’t be complete without including sage. There may not be a more versatile plant in the garden. Mostly that’s because there are so many different types of sage. They’re great to have in your garden … Continue reading →

Posted in foraging | Tagged bee and butterfly attractant, diuretic, dries well, flavorful herb, hummingbird attractant, lowers blood sugar, medicinal uses, repels deer and rabbits, sage, salvia, tolerates drought, upright or creeping | Leave a comment

Smartweed can leave your mouth smarting

Posted on August 22, 2015 by tedmanzer

Most damp partial sun to shady areas are filled with smartweed now. Plants have always been there but the fall weather makes them more prominent. Some have white flowers while others have pink. This herb has almost as many uses … Continue reading →

Posted in foraging | Tagged brittle stems, buckwheat family, lady's thumb, medicinal uses, Pennsylvania smartweed, peppery, Polygonum, pungent seasoning, smartweed, thrive in standing water, Vitamin K | 6 Comments

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