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.

Willowherb

"Willowherb" (Epilobium ciliatum??)

2007 September 17

2007 September 19

2007 September 19

2007 September 19

These plants hybridize readily so I am loathe to name the species though I think this one is Epilobium ciliatum. This plant grows in moist locations ... I found the picture from September 17th at a different lake than the last 3 pictures.

Violets: Early Blue

The leaves and flowers of all violets are edible, the flower being a colorful salad addition. Flowers can also be candied and used as cake decorations. (I've looked at the process but decided it wasn't worth my effort ... but then, I'm not into cake decorating.) Plants were also used for such herbal remedies as a mild laxative, to relieve coughs and lung congestion. Pansies are also violets ... no wonder the deer munch back the flowers on all of my pansies!

"Early Blue Violet" (Viola adunca)

2008 May 18

2007 May 14

2007 May 14

The violets in the last two pictures were growing up amongst some Kinnikinnick so you'll see the leaves of both plants in those pictures. In fact, the two little pinkish red buds in the last picture are Kinnikinnick buds.

Thistles

"Bull Thistle" (Cirsium vulgare).

2007 July 7

2007 July 20

2007 July 30

2007 August 9

2008 January 17

These thistles are biennial plants ... but seeds will lay dormant for years in the soil until conditions suit! One should cut them down before the flower heads turn purple ... if one waits too late they must collect those flower heads and bag them, for the seeds will continue to mature even after cutting! (Like a few other pesky flowers I know!)

"Canada Thistle" (Cirsium arvense)
... these grow in abundance, especially near the lakes and by streams, for they like their soil moist!

2007 July 20

2007 July 20

2007 July 20

2007 August 7

2007 August 7

This plant is a perennial ... reproducing not only from seed but by creeping rhizomes. It is very difficult to eradicate ... one has to get the root/rhizome ... ALL of it ... almost impossible. None the less, I'm told that peeled stems and roots of most thistles are edible ... if you can get past the thorns ... so next time you are set adrift in the wilderness ... know that this plant, and its cousins, then become your friend!

Even though this plant is called "Canada Thistle", it is not indigenous to this country and is thought to have been introduced to North America in the 17th century by early colonists.

Penstemon (Shrubby & Small Flowered)

"Shrubby Penstemon" (Penstemon fruticosus)

2008 May 28

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2008 May 28

2008 May 28

2008 May 28

2008 May 28

This plant is not only pleasing to the eye but very useful as well. It was used by First Nations people to make a dye, as a flavour enhancer for root veggies, and medicinally: as a purgative, as a treatment for ulcers, to bathe sore eyes, and to sooth the aches of rheumatism and arthritis.

"Small-Flowered Penstemon" (Penstemon procerus)

2008 May 31
Shown with old seed pod.

2008 May 31
Old seed pod up close.

2007 June 18

2007 June 19

2007 June 20

This flower is one that doesn't look like much from afar but get up close and it really is quite amazing both in color and shape of flower. It grows in little clusters that look quite raggedy when they finish blooming. You could well pass them by so be on the look out.

Milk Vetch: Timber

"Timber Milk-Vetch" (Astragalus miser)

2008 June 4

2008 June 19

2008 June 19

2008 June 14

2008 June 22

2008 June 30

2008 June 30

Timber Milk Vetch contains miserotoxin which is poisonous to sheep and cattle, particularly if they are lactating. The toxin is found primarily in the leaves with the highest concentration occurring during the bud and mature-flower sages.

Milk Vetch: Field

"Field Milk Vetch" (Astragalus agrestis)

2008 June 14

2008 June 14

2008 June 14

It is easy to pass this plant by as it can easily be hidden by surrounding grasses. This plant is a perennial.

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.

Larkspur

"Upland Larkspur" (Delphinium nuttallianum)

2008 May 9

2008 May 20

2008 May 20

2008 May 20

2008 May 20

2008 May 28

2008 May 28

2008 May 28

2008 May 28

2008 June 22

In my first year of wanderings, I only found one of these plants ... perhaps my senses weren't sharpened up enough, to spot more. I found a number more in my 2nd year of wanderings. Pretty, especially the colour.

Larkspurs contain delphinine and are poisonous to cattle and humans but not to sheep! (Beware the beauties!) My book says the seeds are highly toxic ... the plant itself is more toxic in the early spring, before flowering.