This spring I planted a few wildflowers which are native to this part of Ontario. At the far end of my garden, an area has been created which mimicks a woodland setting; the perfect spot for my wildflowers. In order to remember what they are (beuing that I am well over 50 now), I thought I would log them here in my blog. Enjoy!
The Cherokee Indians used Violets for
medicinal purposes. The leaves were used to make a poultice to
relieve headaches. The violet flowers were soaked in water and the water
was then used to relieve dysentery, colds, coughs, and used as a spring
tonic.Violet roots were crushed and used as a
poultice to aide in skin aliments. Perhaps the most interesting to me-Violet
roots were soaked in water-then the water was used to soak corn seeds
prior to planting-this was said to repel insects from the corn.
Source: American Violet Society
The May
Apple was once
called the witches umbrella and thought to be employed by them as a poison. The English version of this plant has much lore told of it,
being called Mandrake and believed to be alive. Its screams when
pulled from the ground would render a man permanently insane.
These plants can be found in the woods carpeting the forest floors. Sometimes they grow in open fields as well.
Source: Alternative Nature Online Journal
According to one legend, (European-angelica) Angelica was revealed in a dream by an
angel to cure the plague (hence the name Angelica or Archangel). All parts of
the plant were believed effective against evil spirits.
Angelica is used magically as an herb for
protection and exorcism. Grow it in the garden to protect the home.
Make necklaces of the leaves, or carry the root in your pocket for protection.
The dried leaves are burned in exorcism rituals.
To ward off evil spirits inside the home, sprinkle in all four corners of the house. This, and the burning of the leaves within the home, is also said to give a joyful outlook to the residents of the home.
To ward off evil spirits inside the home, sprinkle in all four corners of the house. This, and the burning of the leaves within the home, is also said to give a joyful outlook to the residents of the home.
Barrenwort also known as Horny Goat Weed and Fairy Wings
Erythronium also known as Fawn-lily, Trout-lily, Dog's-tooth Violet, or Adder's-tongue.
Jack in the Pulpit
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