The state flower of California, this jubilant splash of color across the countryside is more than just a pretty little flower; her medicine has been used for centuries. A member of the Papaveraceae family, California Poppy does not have the habit forming narcotic...
This month it’s time for a little tree magic! Elm is in the Ulmaceae family. Slippery Elm’s botanical name is Ulmus rubra. He is also known as Ulmus fulva. Other species of Elm such as Siberian Elm (U. pumila) and American Elm (U. americana) are also medicinal and can...
Wintertime can be a hard time to learn about herbs up in the Northern Hemisphere. Most plants are still sleeping and will be for a few more months, while we are still eager to learn all about the medicinal side of them. We still try to get outside every day and see...
This month’s herb is all about Nutmeg and what better way to celebrate Nutmeg than with Eggnog! Nutmeg is often used in sweet, spicy dishes such as custards, pies, cookies and other treats as well as some savory dishes. We traditionally use Nutmeg this time of year...
What would Thanksgiving be without the Cranberry sauce? This is one native North American plant the settlers were grateful for. Early settlers learned from the Native Americans to use the berry for treating many problems including scurvy, digestive problems, loss of...
As I drive down the road, I cannot help but to take note of which plants are in all their glory. This month, it is Sumac! Flame red leaves make a blanket over thin branches, supporting dark crimson torches of Sumac drupes, the cluster of berries on this beautiful...
