Tag Archives: nature
Lambsquarter – A most delicious weed
If a plant is growing where we don’t want it we call it a weed. However, when it makes delicious table fare maybe we should rethink our rules. Lambsquarter, Chenopodium album, fits the bill perfectly here. It’s probably my favorite … Continue reading
Blueberry – A tasty true berry
Last week I mentioned how blackberries really aren’t berries at all. I know the botanical definition is not important, but for the record blueberries are true berries. Eastern North Carolina is not famous for its wild blueberries, but they can … Continue reading
Blackberries – Worth the Scratches
It’s almost blackberry season. The thorny canes might scratch the skin off you, but the fruit is worth the effort. These brambles comprise one of the most confusing genera in the plant kingdom. There are numerous members of the genus … Continue reading
A Jewel for Poison Ivy
Poison ivy, a ubiquitous woody vine, is responsible for many people avoiding the brushy outdoors. The culprit is a chemical called urushiol. The toxin can bind to skin proteins within 15 minutes. Once that happens, soap and water won’t remove … Continue reading
Wild Muscadines
Until I moved to North Carolina in 1996, my only experience with wild grapes was with the American labrusca types, or fox grapes from which the Concord variety was selected. They were great for making jelly and juice, but were … Continue reading
Rediscovering Waxmyrtle
Today we take much of our surroundings for granted. We never stop to think how essential our natural resources used to be for everyday life. Our own wellbeing depends much more on the resourcefulness of others rather than that of … Continue reading
Backyard Pink Lemonade
Sumacs are short lived weedy shrubs to small trees that take over open areas if given the chance. Three species found in North Carolina are quite useful. Three close cousins are downright despicable. Let’s start with the three cashew family … Continue reading
A Spicy Lawn Weed
To the many people who have cursed the ubiquitous wild garlic, (Allium vineale), I offer somewhat of a truce. This is one useful spice that can add flavor to many foods. They are not poisonous, grow everywhere and don’t cost … Continue reading
West Virginia Banana
Many people have heard the name Pawpaw, but few could identify it and fewer have eaten it. Pawpaw, (Asimina triloba), is a common understory tree around here. It is the only member of the custard apple family adapted to temperate … Continue reading
Cattails – Supermarket of the Swamp
In his book, Stalking the Wild Asparagus, the late Euell Gibbons referred to the lowly cattail as the “supermarket of the swamp.” I don’t think I’ve ever picked up a field guide on wild foods that didn’t profile these wetland … Continue reading
tedmanzer 