Self Heal

Self Heal or Heal All

Prunella vulgaris

I can't say as I've seen this plant in my own, immediate area but I recently came across it in the Quesnel area (which is still part of the Cariboo) where it seemed quite common.  Quesnel definitely receives more precipitation than we do and perhaps that is why this plant can be found there as it is a member of the mint family.  I wouldn't be surprised to find it out in the Canim and Mahood Lake area as that area too, receives more precipitation.

2012 July 17

2012 July 16

2012 July 16

2012 July 16

This plant is edible.  The young leaves and stems can be eaten raw or the plant can be boiled and eaten as a green or it can be dried and then infused to make a purportedly tasty tea in itself but the infusion can also be used as a mouth wash for gum issues.  Called self heal or heal all, the whole plant was made into a poultice and placed on wounds, especially cuts, to help them heal.  For other, interesting medicinal information about this plant you can go here.

Cinquefoil: Graceful

Graceful Cinquefoil (Potentilla gracilis var gracilis)

2009 July 15

2009 July 15

2009 July 15

2009 July 15

2009 July 15

We found this cinquefoil growing on a trail just behind our place.

Some first nation peoples made an infusion of the pounded roots to take for pain and as a general tonic.

Rein Orchid: Round-Leaved

"Round-Leaved Rein-Orchid" (Platanthera orbiculata)

I saw this plant on the forest floor in May. Not knowing what it was, I began tracking its progress:

2008 May 16

2008 May 21

2008 May 23

2008 June 19

2008 July 8

A Round-Leaved Rein Orchid! It is growing in a deep covering of trees and woodland plants. If I wouldn't have noticed it before the other forest floor "stuff" had grown up, and marked the spot, I would have missed this plant all together. I have only found one off these. We live in an arid area so am surprised to have found one at all! Again, it is growing in that area where I suspect an underground water source. I took the pictures without a flash. The last picture was so shady I had the ISO cranked up to 800 ... not quite as sharp as I would have liked. If I get a chance, I'll try again. Usually the mosquitoes are attacking me as well ... a bit distracting ... trying to be still enough to take a shot while they are sticking their stickers into your hand ... in full view! Arrrgghhh!!!

First Nation peoples made a poultice of leaves which they applied to sores caused by scrofula, to cuts, as well as to blisters on hands and feet.

This species apparently has the largest flowers of all western rein orchids. I read that several kinds of moths feed on this plant's nectar and probably pollinate the flower.

Prince's Pine

"Prince's Pine" (Chimaphila umbellata)

2008 May 7

2008 May 7

2008 May 7

2008 May 19

2008 May 27

2008 May 31

2008 June 4

2008 June 27

2008 July 2

2008 July 22

2008 July 22

2008 July 22

2008 October 19

I was looking at lichen one day in the spring when I noticed this plant growing nearby. I had never noticed it before and began to watch it unfold. I was reward by these amazing flowers.

This plant is apparently a root parasite so won't grow just anywhere. I'm fortunate to have it at the back of our property. Its Cree name is pipisisikweu meaning, it breaks into small pieces. The leaves were purported to contain a substance that dissolves kidney stones. The leaves, stems and roots were made into a tea to be used as a beverage or for colds and sore throats. It is used as a flavouring in root beer.

Here are some notes from the Montana Plant Life site:

"Edible Uses:
The leaves of Prince's Pine can be nibbled, brewed into a tea or used as a flavoring in root beer. They have a delicious scent and flavor. An extract of the leaves is used to flavor candy and soft drinks. In Mexico the herb is used in the preparation of 'navaitai', an alcoholic beverage produced from sprouted maize. A tea can be made from an infusion of the stems and roots.

Medicinal Uses:
Pipsissewa was much used by many tribes of native North American Indians to induce sweating and treat fevers, including typhus. The plant contains hydroquinones which have a pronounced disinfectant effect within the urinary tract and modern day herbalism mainly employs the plant to treat urinary problems such as cystitis and urethritis.
The whole plant is antibacterial, and has agents that induce urination, cause tissue to contract, induce sweating, cause reddening or irritation when applied to the skin, that act as a stimulant and tonic, and that gradually restore health. A tea is used in the treatment of various problems related to the urinary system, it is also prescribed for more serious conditions such as kidney stones and gonorrhea. A decoction is very efficacious in the treatment of skin diseases. Used externally, the fresh leaves are rubefacient and internally they are of great use in cardiac and kidney diseases, chronic rheumatism and scrofula. Only the leaves are officinal, though the whole plant is often used.
The plant is loaded with the biologically active compounds arbutin, sitosterol and ursolic acid. Arbutin hydrolyzes to the toxic urinary antiseptic hydroquinone. The plant contains glycosides and an essential oil that are used as an astringent and tonic. The plant is harvested when in flower, and the leaves on their own can be harvested during the growing season. They are dried for later use. A homeopathic remedy is made from the leaves. It is used in the treatment of inflammations of the urinary system."

Plantain: Rattlesnake

Rattlesnake Plantain (Goodyera oblongifolia)

2008 June 2

2008 June 19

2008 June 24

2008 July 1

2008 July 20

2008 July 27

2008 July 31

2008 May 18

This plant was growing in our own back yard so it was easy to document its progress!

The leaves were sometimes used as a poultice for cuts and sores or, a concoction was made for ulcer and stomach troubles. Some First Nations women chewed the leaves to ease childbirth.

Owl Clover: Yellow

"Yellow Owl-Clover" (Orthocarpus luteus)

2008 July 12

2008 July 12

2008 July 12

Marsh Skullcap

"Marsh Skullcap" ( Scutellaria galericulata)

2008 July

2008 July

2008 July

We found this perennial herb growing near the lake shore ... it's a plant that likes moisture.

Fleabane: Philadelphia

"Philadelphia Fleabane" (Erigeron philadelphicus)

2008 July 15

2008 July 15

2008 July 15

2008 July 15

2008 July 15

From The Wildflowers of Southeastern U.S. site comes the following information:

"Historical Lore: The Ojibwas used the smoke of disk florets to attract deer and in their smoking mixture or kinnikinnick .

Medical Uses: There are many accounts or Native American use of this plant. The Ojibwa used it as a diuretic, for hemorrhages, spitting of blood. The Cherokee for menstruation problems and bad vision. It was poultice for headache and cold root tea taken for colds. Snuff of powdered florets used for sick headaches and the smoke of dried flowers for headcolds."

Fireweed

"Fireweed" (Epilobium angustifolium)

2008 May 21

2008 July 1

2008 July 1

2008 July 3

2007 July 16

2007 July 16

2009 July 15

2007 July 7

2008 October 12

A common sight most anywhere in our province. First Nation peoples put this plant to the following uses:

• applied it externally for eczema
• peeled the young stems and ate the pithy marrow raw
• boiled or steamed whole stems and ate them
• stem peelings were twisted into a twine for fishing nets
• fluff of the seed mixed with hair of goats or dogs ... no not for a potion ... for weaving or padding
• dried the leaves to use for a tea substitute (can produce a laxative effect)
• bees love the nectar of the flowers

This plant is one of the first to grow after a forest fire ... hence the name.