Monday, September 10, 2007

Wild Sarsaparilla

"Wild Sarsaparilla" (Aralia nudicaulis)

2008 May 27

2008 May 27

2008 May 27

2008 May 31

2008 July 28

2007 Fall Colours

The fall colours of this plant caught my eye but I didn't know what it was until the following spring when I found it in flower.

Some used a decoction of this plant as a blood purifier while others made a tea to treat colds. The rhizomes can be made into a refreshing drink (a substitute for true sarsaparillis) and have a spicy fragrance. I have found references that the berries can be used to make wine.

2 comments:

Chrissy said...

I've heard of this plant, but have never seen it. I learn so much from your blogs.

Texas Travelers said...

Nice post, great photos, and interesting information.

I like your sidebar about Meandering.
We try to do that a lot. Sometimes the little things under your feet are better than the surrounding landscape.

Troy