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Herbaceous and Aquatic Plants
Sweetflag - Acorus americanus (Raf.) Raf
R.A. Howard @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
_Plant: Up to 150cm; colony-forming perennial; sweet spicy smell when crushed; jointed roots
Flowers: 6-parted; yellowish to brown; tiny; tightly packed on a fingerlike spadix, jutting at an angle from leaflike stalk
Fruits: brown
Leaves: Cattail-like leaves with 2-6 major raised veins; linear; long and narrow; sheathing base
Availability: May–August
Habitat: marshes, wet meadows, shallow waters
Uses: Dried root tea or chewed root can used as aromatic bitter for gas, stomachaches, indigestion, heartburn, fevers, colds, and coughs; antispasmodic, anticonvulsant, and CNS-depressant.
History of Use: Used as an aphrodisiac in India. Native Americans nibbled root for stomach ailments, to assuage thirst, and as a stimulant on long journeys. German studies show that for maximum efficacy and safety against spasms, diploid American strains that are devoid of beta-asarone should be used. Oils that are devoid of beta-asarone showed spasmolytic properties similar to those of standard antihistaminic drugs. Controlled dosage of root helped lower serum cholesterol levels in rabbit studies.
Warning: Some strains said to contain the carcinogen beta-asarone. Vapors from roots repel some insects.
Flowers: 6-parted; yellowish to brown; tiny; tightly packed on a fingerlike spadix, jutting at an angle from leaflike stalk
Fruits: brown
Leaves: Cattail-like leaves with 2-6 major raised veins; linear; long and narrow; sheathing base
Availability: May–August
Habitat: marshes, wet meadows, shallow waters
Uses: Dried root tea or chewed root can used as aromatic bitter for gas, stomachaches, indigestion, heartburn, fevers, colds, and coughs; antispasmodic, anticonvulsant, and CNS-depressant.
History of Use: Used as an aphrodisiac in India. Native Americans nibbled root for stomach ailments, to assuage thirst, and as a stimulant on long journeys. German studies show that for maximum efficacy and safety against spasms, diploid American strains that are devoid of beta-asarone should be used. Oils that are devoid of beta-asarone showed spasmolytic properties similar to those of standard antihistaminic drugs. Controlled dosage of root helped lower serum cholesterol levels in rabbit studies.
Warning: Some strains said to contain the carcinogen beta-asarone. Vapors from roots repel some insects.
Red Baneberry - Actaea rubra (Aiton) Willd.
Sheri Hagwood @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Plant: 30-90cm high; perennial
Flower: single raceme 3-5 cm long on thick stalk; flowers usually in a tight cluster that is longer than wide; individual flowers have 4-10 small narrow white petals
Fruit: berries red (occasionally white); stalks thin and long
Leaves: whorl of 3 leaves, each subdivided into leaflets with sharp and irregular teeth
Availability: July–October
Habitat: woods
History of Use: Native Americans used root tea for menstrual irregularity, postpartum pains, and as a purgative after childbirth; also used to treat coughs and colds.
Warning: Plant is poisonous – may cause vomiting, gastroenteritis, irregular breathing, and delirium.
Flower: single raceme 3-5 cm long on thick stalk; flowers usually in a tight cluster that is longer than wide; individual flowers have 4-10 small narrow white petals
Fruit: berries red (occasionally white); stalks thin and long
Leaves: whorl of 3 leaves, each subdivided into leaflets with sharp and irregular teeth
Availability: July–October
Habitat: woods
History of Use: Native Americans used root tea for menstrual irregularity, postpartum pains, and as a purgative after childbirth; also used to treat coughs and colds.
Warning: Plant is poisonous – may cause vomiting, gastroenteritis, irregular breathing, and delirium.
Water Plantain - Alisma subcordatum Raf.
Thomas G. Barnes @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Status: OBL
Plant: 10-100cm tall; perennial; erect or floating
Flowers: 3 parted; white or occasionally pinkish; 7mm or more across; in whorls on branched stalks
Leaves: Nearly heart-shaped, basal, long stalked, elliptical with tapered base; parallel veins
Availability: June–September
Habitat: shallow water or mud
Uses: Tea can be used as a diuretic, and for kidney stones and urinary diseases. Fresh leaves can be used as a rubefacient – they redden and irritate the skin.
History of Use: American Indians used root poultice for bruises, swellings, and wounds. An 1899 article by a California physician reported on the use of the root tincture (alcohol extract), mixed with equal parts water, and glycerin, as an application to the nostrils to treat “nasal catarrh". The root of the closely related A. plantago-aquatica is used in China for diuretic qualities for dysuria, edema, distention, diarrhea, and other ailments; their studies had verified the plant’s diuretic action. In laboratory experiments with animals, the herb lowers blood pressure, reduces blood glucose levels, and inhibits the storage of fat in the liver.
Plant: 10-100cm tall; perennial; erect or floating
Flowers: 3 parted; white or occasionally pinkish; 7mm or more across; in whorls on branched stalks
Leaves: Nearly heart-shaped, basal, long stalked, elliptical with tapered base; parallel veins
Availability: June–September
Habitat: shallow water or mud
Uses: Tea can be used as a diuretic, and for kidney stones and urinary diseases. Fresh leaves can be used as a rubefacient – they redden and irritate the skin.
History of Use: American Indians used root poultice for bruises, swellings, and wounds. An 1899 article by a California physician reported on the use of the root tincture (alcohol extract), mixed with equal parts water, and glycerin, as an application to the nostrils to treat “nasal catarrh". The root of the closely related A. plantago-aquatica is used in China for diuretic qualities for dysuria, edema, distention, diarrhea, and other ailments; their studies had verified the plant’s diuretic action. In laboratory experiments with animals, the herb lowers blood pressure, reduces blood glucose levels, and inhibits the storage of fat in the liver.
Canadian Anemone - Anemone canadensis L.
Larry Allain @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Status: FACW
Plant: 30-60cm; perennial; from rhizome
Flowers: mostly 5 parted; white sepals (no petals) 2.5-3.8cm across around a gold center; solitary, on long stalk
Leaves: lower stem has deeply lobed, stalkless leaves in whorls of 3; upper leaves paired; basal leaves, if present, with 5-7 lobes, on long stalks
Availability: May–July
Habitat: wet meadows, prairies, shorelines
Uses: Astringent, styptic.
History of Use: Native Americans used a wash or poultice of root or leaves for wounds, sores, and nosebleeds. Eyewash used for twitching and to cure cross-eyes. The root was chewed to clear the throat before singing. Among certain Plain Indian groups, the root was highly esteemed as an external medicine for many ailments, and mystical qualities were attributed to the plant.
Warning: Probably all our anemones contain the caustic irritants prevalent in the buttercup family.
Plant: 30-60cm; perennial; from rhizome
Flowers: mostly 5 parted; white sepals (no petals) 2.5-3.8cm across around a gold center; solitary, on long stalk
Leaves: lower stem has deeply lobed, stalkless leaves in whorls of 3; upper leaves paired; basal leaves, if present, with 5-7 lobes, on long stalks
Availability: May–July
Habitat: wet meadows, prairies, shorelines
Uses: Astringent, styptic.
History of Use: Native Americans used a wash or poultice of root or leaves for wounds, sores, and nosebleeds. Eyewash used for twitching and to cure cross-eyes. The root was chewed to clear the throat before singing. Among certain Plain Indian groups, the root was highly esteemed as an external medicine for many ailments, and mystical qualities were attributed to the plant.
Warning: Probably all our anemones contain the caustic irritants prevalent in the buttercup family.
Angelica - Angelica atropurpurea L.
Sally and Andy Wasowski @ Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Status: OBL
Plant: 60-240cm tall; biennial or short-lived perennial; wide; smooth, thick, dark reddish stems
Flowers: 5 parted; greenish white to green; in a 10-20 cm wide umbel
Leaves: upper leaves with a swollen basal sheath; 3 main leaflets and each of which may be subdivided into 3-5 smaller leaflets
Availability: June–August
Habitat: wet meadows, streambanks, fens, swamps
Uses: Tea is used for stomachaches, indigestion, gas, anorexia, obstructed menses, fevers, colds, colic, flu, coughs, neuralgia, and rheumatism; roots and seeds make a stronger tea than the leaves.
History of Use: Other Angelicas are famous Chinese drugs for “female ailments".
Plant: 60-240cm tall; biennial or short-lived perennial; wide; smooth, thick, dark reddish stems
Flowers: 5 parted; greenish white to green; in a 10-20 cm wide umbel
Leaves: upper leaves with a swollen basal sheath; 3 main leaflets and each of which may be subdivided into 3-5 smaller leaflets
Availability: June–August
Habitat: wet meadows, streambanks, fens, swamps
Uses: Tea is used for stomachaches, indigestion, gas, anorexia, obstructed menses, fevers, colds, colic, flu, coughs, neuralgia, and rheumatism; roots and seeds make a stronger tea than the leaves.
History of Use: Other Angelicas are famous Chinese drugs for “female ailments".
Groundnut - Apios americana Medik.
Nelson DeBarros @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Status: FACW
Plant: vine, no tendrils; root with roundish tuber
Flowers: purplish or brownish-purple; bilateral symmetry; in short racemes arising in leaf axils; sweet scent
Leaves: alternate, compound; 5-7 broad, oval, sharp-pointed leaflets
Availability: July–September
Habitat: moist thickets
History of Use: Delicious tubers were used as food by Pilgrims during first bleak winters and it is a favorite Native American food. Each groundnut plant can produce 5 pounds of tubers and contain 3 times the protein of potatoes. The plant has been suggested as a nitrogen-fixing edible ornamental for permaculturists. John Josselyn suggests a poultice of groundnut root be used for cancerous conditions known as “proud flesh”.
Plant: vine, no tendrils; root with roundish tuber
Flowers: purplish or brownish-purple; bilateral symmetry; in short racemes arising in leaf axils; sweet scent
Leaves: alternate, compound; 5-7 broad, oval, sharp-pointed leaflets
Availability: July–September
Habitat: moist thickets
History of Use: Delicious tubers were used as food by Pilgrims during first bleak winters and it is a favorite Native American food. Each groundnut plant can produce 5 pounds of tubers and contain 3 times the protein of potatoes. The plant has been suggested as a nitrogen-fixing edible ornamental for permaculturists. John Josselyn suggests a poultice of groundnut root be used for cancerous conditions known as “proud flesh”.
Green Dragon - Arisaema dracontium (L.) Schott
Edward W. Chester @ University of Tennessee Herbarium
Status: FACW
Plant: 30-120cm tall; perennial; named after the elongate spadix that sticks out above the spathe, which resembles a dragon’s tongue
Flowers: white to pale yellow to pale green, tiny; crowded on a 10-20 cm long spadix inside of a hooded spathe
Fruits: orange to red berries
Leaves: one leaf forked to 5-15 lance-shaped leaflets along a horseshoe-shaped frond
Availability: May–July
Habitat: swamps, streambanks
History of use: Native Americans used dried, aged root for “female disorders”. Root are considered edible once it has been dried, aged, and elaborately processed. The Chinese use related Arisaema species for epilepsy and hemiplegia (paralysis); externally, as a local anesthetic or in ointment for swellings and small tumors.
Warning: Whole fresh plant contains intensely burning, irritating calcium oxalate crystals.
Plant: 30-120cm tall; perennial; named after the elongate spadix that sticks out above the spathe, which resembles a dragon’s tongue
Flowers: white to pale yellow to pale green, tiny; crowded on a 10-20 cm long spadix inside of a hooded spathe
Fruits: orange to red berries
Leaves: one leaf forked to 5-15 lance-shaped leaflets along a horseshoe-shaped frond
Availability: May–July
Habitat: swamps, streambanks
History of use: Native Americans used dried, aged root for “female disorders”. Root are considered edible once it has been dried, aged, and elaborately processed. The Chinese use related Arisaema species for epilepsy and hemiplegia (paralysis); externally, as a local anesthetic or in ointment for swellings and small tumors.
Warning: Whole fresh plant contains intensely burning, irritating calcium oxalate crystals.
Jack in the Pulpit - Arisaema triphyllum (L.) Schott
Jeff McMillian @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Status: FACW-
Leaves: basal, usually 2; petiole reddish-purple; blade divided into 3 leaflets, each up to 30 cm long; undersides of mature leaves whitish; spathe cuplike, with a curving flap that forms a hood over the spadix; green to purplish brown, often striped
Flower: on peduncle arising between leaves; cylindrical male or female flower (the spadix) is a reddish-purple and rod-like with a blunt end; the spathe disintegrates in the summer to expose the spadix with its green, then red, berries
Availability: April–early July
Habitat: moist deciduous woods, floodplains, swamps
History of Use: Native Americans used the dried, aged root for colds and dry coughs, and to build blood. Externally, the root was poulticed for rheumatism, scrofulous sores, boils, abscesses, and ringworm. Dried root tea was used as an expectorant, diaphoretic, and purgative, and for asthma, bronchitis, colds, cough, laryngitis, and headaches. Externally, for rheumatism, boils, and swelling from snakebites. The Chinese used related species to treat snakebites.
Warning: Intensely irritating. Calcium oxalate crystals found in whole fresh herb.
Leaves: basal, usually 2; petiole reddish-purple; blade divided into 3 leaflets, each up to 30 cm long; undersides of mature leaves whitish; spathe cuplike, with a curving flap that forms a hood over the spadix; green to purplish brown, often striped
Flower: on peduncle arising between leaves; cylindrical male or female flower (the spadix) is a reddish-purple and rod-like with a blunt end; the spathe disintegrates in the summer to expose the spadix with its green, then red, berries
Availability: April–early July
Habitat: moist deciduous woods, floodplains, swamps
History of Use: Native Americans used the dried, aged root for colds and dry coughs, and to build blood. Externally, the root was poulticed for rheumatism, scrofulous sores, boils, abscesses, and ringworm. Dried root tea was used as an expectorant, diaphoretic, and purgative, and for asthma, bronchitis, colds, cough, laryngitis, and headaches. Externally, for rheumatism, boils, and swelling from snakebites. The Chinese used related species to treat snakebites.
Warning: Intensely irritating. Calcium oxalate crystals found in whole fresh herb.
Swamp Milkweed - Asclepias incarnata L.
Nelson DeBarros @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Status: OBL
Plant: 60-180cm tall; perennial; smooth, branched stems; large bright terminal blossoms; milky sap
Flowers: 20-30 flowers in umbels at top of stems; flower 5 parted, bright reddish purple; a cinnamon scent; fruit is a long pointed seedpod
Leaves: opposite; lance-shaped, 15cm long by 2cm wide; leaf veins at acute angle to midrib; soft-hairy
Availability: June–September
Habitat: wet meadows, swamps, prairies, marshes, bogs, shallow area along lakes and ponds, streambanks, ditches
Uses: Root tea is used in “tonic” bath for weak patients, and as a diuretic and laxative; induces vomiting.
History of use: American colonists used it for asthma, rheumatism, syphilis, worms, and as a heart tonic.
Warning: Potentially toxic.
Plant: 60-180cm tall; perennial; smooth, branched stems; large bright terminal blossoms; milky sap
Flowers: 20-30 flowers in umbels at top of stems; flower 5 parted, bright reddish purple; a cinnamon scent; fruit is a long pointed seedpod
Leaves: opposite; lance-shaped, 15cm long by 2cm wide; leaf veins at acute angle to midrib; soft-hairy
Availability: June–September
Habitat: wet meadows, swamps, prairies, marshes, bogs, shallow area along lakes and ponds, streambanks, ditches
Uses: Root tea is used in “tonic” bath for weak patients, and as a diuretic and laxative; induces vomiting.
History of use: American colonists used it for asthma, rheumatism, syphilis, worms, and as a heart tonic.
Warning: Potentially toxic.
Water Arum - Calla palustris L.
Phyllis Weyand @ Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Status: OBL
Plant: 12-25cm tall; perennial; from nodes on rhizomes
Flowers: white to yellowish white to green; tiny; 2.5-5cm long spadix partially surrounded by a 5cm long white, oval, flat spathe
Fruits: round cluster of red berries
Leaves: basal; broadly heart-shaped with pointed tip; 5-15cm long stalk
Availability: May–August
Habitat: bogs, fens
History of Use: Native Americans use dried-root tea for flu, shortness of breath, bleeding or as a poultice on swellings and snakebites.
Warning: Raw plant contains calcium oxalate that can burn and irritate skin and mucous membranes, if taken internally.
Plant: 12-25cm tall; perennial; from nodes on rhizomes
Flowers: white to yellowish white to green; tiny; 2.5-5cm long spadix partially surrounded by a 5cm long white, oval, flat spathe
Fruits: round cluster of red berries
Leaves: basal; broadly heart-shaped with pointed tip; 5-15cm long stalk
Availability: May–August
Habitat: bogs, fens
History of Use: Native Americans use dried-root tea for flu, shortness of breath, bleeding or as a poultice on swellings and snakebites.
Warning: Raw plant contains calcium oxalate that can burn and irritate skin and mucous membranes, if taken internally.
Yellow Marsh Marigold - Caltha palustris L.
Jim Stasz @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Status: OBL
Plant: 15-45cm high; thick and hollow stems
Flower: yellow, 5 parted; 25-40mm across, 5-9 waxy yellow sepals
Leaves: alternate, shallow toothed; glossy, rounded heart or kidney-shaped; long leafstalk
Availability: April–June
Habitat: swamps, wet meadows, brooksides
Uses: Root tea induces sweating, emetic, and expectorant while leaf tea can be used as a diuretic or laxative.
History of Use: Ojibwas mixed tea with maple sugar to make a cough syrup that was popular with colonists; this syrup was used as a folk antidote to snake venom. The plant contains anemonin and protoanemonin - both have marginal antitumor activity.
Warning: All parts may irritate and blister skin or mucous membranes. Sniffing bruised stems induced sneezing. Intoxication has resulted from the use of the raw leaves in salads or using the raw flower buds as substitutes for capers. Do not confuse with American White or False Hellebore, which is toxic.
Plant: 15-45cm high; thick and hollow stems
Flower: yellow, 5 parted; 25-40mm across, 5-9 waxy yellow sepals
Leaves: alternate, shallow toothed; glossy, rounded heart or kidney-shaped; long leafstalk
Availability: April–June
Habitat: swamps, wet meadows, brooksides
Uses: Root tea induces sweating, emetic, and expectorant while leaf tea can be used as a diuretic or laxative.
History of Use: Ojibwas mixed tea with maple sugar to make a cough syrup that was popular with colonists; this syrup was used as a folk antidote to snake venom. The plant contains anemonin and protoanemonin - both have marginal antitumor activity.
Warning: All parts may irritate and blister skin or mucous membranes. Sniffing bruised stems induced sneezing. Intoxication has resulted from the use of the raw leaves in salads or using the raw flower buds as substitutes for capers. Do not confuse with American White or False Hellebore, which is toxic.
White Turtlehead - Chelone glabra L.
Thomas G. Barnes @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Status: OBL
Plant: 30-100cm high; perennial
Flower: large, 2-3cm, clustered at top of stem; white sometimes tinged with pink; bilateral symmetry; two-lipped with upper lip extending over lower
Leaves: opposite, toothed, narrow lance-shaped, 7-15cm long, without leaf-stalks
Availability: July–October
Habitat: wet ground, streambanks
Uses: Leaf tea is said to stimulate appetite and is also a folk remedy for worms, fever, and jaundice. Ointment can be used for piles, inflamed breasts, painful ulcers, and herpes.
Plant: 30-100cm high; perennial
Flower: large, 2-3cm, clustered at top of stem; white sometimes tinged with pink; bilateral symmetry; two-lipped with upper lip extending over lower
Leaves: opposite, toothed, narrow lance-shaped, 7-15cm long, without leaf-stalks
Availability: July–October
Habitat: wet ground, streambanks
Uses: Leaf tea is said to stimulate appetite and is also a folk remedy for worms, fever, and jaundice. Ointment can be used for piles, inflamed breasts, painful ulcers, and herpes.
Virgin's Bower - Clematis virginiana L.
Will Cook @ Duke University
Status: FAC
Plant: vines that climb by twining (no tendrils); lower parts are woody and persistent, upper parts ephemeral-die back during winter
Flowers: several on a 2-6cm stalk arising in the leaf axil; flowers with 4 white sepals 10-15mm long, hairy
Leaves: opposite, compound; 3 leaflets, 2-10cm long, each coarsely toothed to 3–lobed; hairy beneath
Availability: July–September
Habitat: moist soils
Uses: Liniment once used by physicians for skin eruptions and itching while weak leaf tea was used for insomnia, nervous headaches, nervous twitching, and uterine diseases.
Warning: Toxic; highly irritating to skin and mucous membranes. Ingestion may cause bloody vomiting, severe diarrhea, and convulsions.
Plant: vines that climb by twining (no tendrils); lower parts are woody and persistent, upper parts ephemeral-die back during winter
Flowers: several on a 2-6cm stalk arising in the leaf axil; flowers with 4 white sepals 10-15mm long, hairy
Leaves: opposite, compound; 3 leaflets, 2-10cm long, each coarsely toothed to 3–lobed; hairy beneath
Availability: July–September
Habitat: moist soils
Uses: Liniment once used by physicians for skin eruptions and itching while weak leaf tea was used for insomnia, nervous headaches, nervous twitching, and uterine diseases.
Warning: Toxic; highly irritating to skin and mucous membranes. Ingestion may cause bloody vomiting, severe diarrhea, and convulsions.
Bunchberry - Cornus canadensis L.
R.A. Howard @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Status: FAC-
Plants: 15 cm tall; perennial
Flowers: central cluster of small greenish to brownish flowers, surrounded by 4 larger white petal-like bracts
Fruits: bright red berries in terminal clusters; ~8mm across
Leaves: opposite (appearing as whorls in a group of 4-6); shiny dark green above, paler below; very short petiole
Availability: May–July
Habitat: cold forested areas
History of Use: Native Americans used the leaf tea for aches, pains, kidney and lung ailments, coughs, fevers, and as an eye wash. Root tea was used for infant colic.
Plants: 15 cm tall; perennial
Flowers: central cluster of small greenish to brownish flowers, surrounded by 4 larger white petal-like bracts
Fruits: bright red berries in terminal clusters; ~8mm across
Leaves: opposite (appearing as whorls in a group of 4-6); shiny dark green above, paler below; very short petiole
Availability: May–July
Habitat: cold forested areas
History of Use: Native Americans used the leaf tea for aches, pains, kidney and lung ailments, coughs, fevers, and as an eye wash. Root tea was used for infant colic.
Roundleaf Sundew - Drosera rotundifolia L.
Nelson DeBarros @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Status: OBL
Plants: carnivorous – leaf folds around and digests insects that get caught on the sticky hairs; perennial
Flowers: white to pale pink; small, 1.25cm across; 2-15 flowers on a 5-25cm long stalk
Fruits: capsule with small light brown seeds
Leaves: from a basal rosette; round, 1.5-2.5cm wide and long, on a long leaf stalk; upper surface of leaf blades and leaf stalks are covered with reddish, sticky glandular hairs; leaves lie flat on ground
Availability: June–August
Habitat: bogs, fens, swamps
History of Use: Traditionally, tea or tincture was used for dry, spasmodic coughs, asthma, arteriosclerosis, chronic bronchitis, and also as an aphrodisiac. Poultice or plant juice was used on corns and warts. Europeans regard the extracts and tinctures as antitussive and spasmolytic. Because of their protein-digesting enzymes, exudates from the leaves have been used to treat warts. The plant contains proteolytic enzymes and plumbagin, which are antibiotic against certain bacteria.
Plants: carnivorous – leaf folds around and digests insects that get caught on the sticky hairs; perennial
Flowers: white to pale pink; small, 1.25cm across; 2-15 flowers on a 5-25cm long stalk
Fruits: capsule with small light brown seeds
Leaves: from a basal rosette; round, 1.5-2.5cm wide and long, on a long leaf stalk; upper surface of leaf blades and leaf stalks are covered with reddish, sticky glandular hairs; leaves lie flat on ground
Availability: June–August
Habitat: bogs, fens, swamps
History of Use: Traditionally, tea or tincture was used for dry, spasmodic coughs, asthma, arteriosclerosis, chronic bronchitis, and also as an aphrodisiac. Poultice or plant juice was used on corns and warts. Europeans regard the extracts and tinctures as antitussive and spasmolytic. Because of their protein-digesting enzymes, exudates from the leaves have been used to treat warts. The plant contains proteolytic enzymes and plumbagin, which are antibiotic against certain bacteria.
Spotted Joe-Pye Weed - Eupatorium maculatum L.
W.D. Bransford @ Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Status: FACW
Plant: 60-200cm tall; stem purple spotted or purple, not hollow; perennial
Flower: tiny, pinkish to purplish; in flat-topped cluster, immature flower clusters are more rounded
Leaves: whorled in 4’s or 5’s, toothed; single main vein; taper toward base; no scent when crushed
Availability: July–September
Habitat: wet meadows and thickets
History of Use: Native Americans used the tea made from the whole plant of as a diuretic for dropsy, painful urination, gout, kidney infections, and rheumatism. The root tea was once used for fevers, colds, chills, sore womb after childbirth, diarrhea, liver and kidney ailments, and a wash for rheumatism. Its name was derived from “Joe Pye”, a 19th century Caucasian who used the root to induce sweating in typhus fever.
Plant: 60-200cm tall; stem purple spotted or purple, not hollow; perennial
Flower: tiny, pinkish to purplish; in flat-topped cluster, immature flower clusters are more rounded
Leaves: whorled in 4’s or 5’s, toothed; single main vein; taper toward base; no scent when crushed
Availability: July–September
Habitat: wet meadows and thickets
History of Use: Native Americans used the tea made from the whole plant of as a diuretic for dropsy, painful urination, gout, kidney infections, and rheumatism. The root tea was once used for fevers, colds, chills, sore womb after childbirth, diarrhea, liver and kidney ailments, and a wash for rheumatism. Its name was derived from “Joe Pye”, a 19th century Caucasian who used the root to induce sweating in typhus fever.
Boneset - Eupatorium perfoliatum L.
R.W. Smith @ Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Status: FACW+
Plant: 60-150cm high; hairy stem; perennial
Flower: tiny flowers arranged in a flat-topped cluster, grayish white
Leaves: opposite, toothed; wrinkled, taper-pointed, unites at bases around stem which pierces through the leaf tissue
Availability: July–October
Habitat: low ground, thickets, swamp
History of Use: Leaf tea was once used to induce sweating in fevers, flu, and colds; also used for malaria, rheumatism, muscular pains, spasms, pneumonia, pleurisy, gout, etc. Leaves were poulticed onto tumors. West German research suggests nonspecific immune system-stimulating properties, perhaps vindicating historical use in flu epidemics.
Warning: Emetic and laxative in large doses. May contain controversial and potentially liver-harming pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
Plant: 60-150cm high; hairy stem; perennial
Flower: tiny flowers arranged in a flat-topped cluster, grayish white
Leaves: opposite, toothed; wrinkled, taper-pointed, unites at bases around stem which pierces through the leaf tissue
Availability: July–October
Habitat: low ground, thickets, swamp
History of Use: Leaf tea was once used to induce sweating in fevers, flu, and colds; also used for malaria, rheumatism, muscular pains, spasms, pneumonia, pleurisy, gout, etc. Leaves were poulticed onto tumors. West German research suggests nonspecific immune system-stimulating properties, perhaps vindicating historical use in flu epidemics.
Warning: Emetic and laxative in large doses. May contain controversial and potentially liver-harming pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
Queen of the Prairie - Filipendula rubra (Hill) B.L. Robins.
Thomas G. Barnes @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
_ Status: FACW
Plant: 60-240cm tall; perennial
Flower: 5 parted, dark pink; large divergently branching clusters at top of stem
Leaves: alternate, compound; leaves large, divided into 3-7 leaflets, these deeply lobed and sharply toothed; leafy stipule at base of leaf
Availability: June–August
Habitat: moist prairies, meadows, roadsides
History of Use: Fox Native Americans (Wisc.) used the root for heart trouble and in “love potions”. Because of the high tannin content, the root was valued as a folk medicine for its astringent properties in diarrhea, dysentery, and to stop bleeding. The European Queen of the Meadow, Spiraea (Filipendula) ulmaria, contains chemical forerunners of aspirin: salicylic acid was first isolated from its flower buds in 1839.
Plant: 60-240cm tall; perennial
Flower: 5 parted, dark pink; large divergently branching clusters at top of stem
Leaves: alternate, compound; leaves large, divided into 3-7 leaflets, these deeply lobed and sharply toothed; leafy stipule at base of leaf
Availability: June–August
Habitat: moist prairies, meadows, roadsides
History of Use: Fox Native Americans (Wisc.) used the root for heart trouble and in “love potions”. Because of the high tannin content, the root was valued as a folk medicine for its astringent properties in diarrhea, dysentery, and to stop bleeding. The European Queen of the Meadow, Spiraea (Filipendula) ulmaria, contains chemical forerunners of aspirin: salicylic acid was first isolated from its flower buds in 1839.
Purple Avens - Geum rivale L.
W.D. Bransford @ Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Status: OBL
Plant: 30-60cm tall; perennial
Flower: 5 parted, purplish; ~12mm long; nodding, globular; purplish sepals, yellow petals about as long as sepals
Fruit: tips of developing seeds form long hooked appendages
Leaves: alternate, compound, toothed; 3 lobed end segment, broad; often with smaller leaflets interspersed along main axis of leaf
Availability: May–August
Habitat: swamps, wet meadows
Uses: Powered root was once used as an astringent for hemorrhage, fevers, diarrhea, dysentery, indigestion, and leucorrhea. In China and Japan, a tea of the whole Geum japonicum is used as a diuretic and as an astringent for treating coughs and spitting up of blood. The roots and leaves of G. japonicum are used as a poultice or wash for skin diseases and boils. Other Geums are used similarly.
Plant: 30-60cm tall; perennial
Flower: 5 parted, purplish; ~12mm long; nodding, globular; purplish sepals, yellow petals about as long as sepals
Fruit: tips of developing seeds form long hooked appendages
Leaves: alternate, compound, toothed; 3 lobed end segment, broad; often with smaller leaflets interspersed along main axis of leaf
Availability: May–August
Habitat: swamps, wet meadows
Uses: Powered root was once used as an astringent for hemorrhage, fevers, diarrhea, dysentery, indigestion, and leucorrhea. In China and Japan, a tea of the whole Geum japonicum is used as a diuretic and as an astringent for treating coughs and spitting up of blood. The roots and leaves of G. japonicum are used as a poultice or wash for skin diseases and boils. Other Geums are used similarly.
Common St. John's Wort - Hypericum perforatum L.
Jim Stasz @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Plant: 30-75cm tall; stem branched; perennial
Flower: yellow, 5 parted; 18-25mm across, 20 or more stamens, petals separate, with dark dots along margins
Leaves: opposite, simple; less than 4cm long, green with translucent dots
Availability: June–September
Habitat: roadsides, fields
Uses: Fresh flowers in tea, tincture, or olive oil, was once a popular domestic medicine for treatment of external ulcers, wounds (especially those with severed nerve tissue), sores, cuts, bruises, etc. Tea is a folk remedy for bladder ailments, depression, dysentery, diarrhea, and worms. Contains the biologically active compounds choline, pectin, rutin, sitosterol, hypericin, and pseudohypericin. Recent studies (1988) have found that hypericin and pseudohypericin have potent anti-retroviral activity, without serious side effects. Being researched for AIDS treatment.
Warning: Taken internally or externally, hypericin may cause photodermatitis (skin burns) on sensitive persons exposed to light.
Flower: yellow, 5 parted; 18-25mm across, 20 or more stamens, petals separate, with dark dots along margins
Leaves: opposite, simple; less than 4cm long, green with translucent dots
Availability: June–September
Habitat: roadsides, fields
Uses: Fresh flowers in tea, tincture, or olive oil, was once a popular domestic medicine for treatment of external ulcers, wounds (especially those with severed nerve tissue), sores, cuts, bruises, etc. Tea is a folk remedy for bladder ailments, depression, dysentery, diarrhea, and worms. Contains the biologically active compounds choline, pectin, rutin, sitosterol, hypericin, and pseudohypericin. Recent studies (1988) have found that hypericin and pseudohypericin have potent anti-retroviral activity, without serious side effects. Being researched for AIDS treatment.
Warning: Taken internally or externally, hypericin may cause photodermatitis (skin burns) on sensitive persons exposed to light.
Jewelweed - Impatiens capensis Meerb.
Thomas G. Barnes @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Status: FACW
Plant: 60-150cm tall; annual; stem succulent, exudes juice when broken
Flower: bilateral, longer than broad; orange with red-brown spots; pendant
Fruit: elongate pod that springs open explosively when ripe
Leaves: alternate upper; opposite lower; coarsely toothed; oval, succulent
Availability: June–September
Habitat: wet, shady places
Uses: Crushed leaves or mucilaginous stem juice that is harvested before flowering can be applied on recent poison-ivy rash. A 1957 study found it effective, in 2-3 days, in treating 108 of 115 patients. Some people swear by the leaf tea as a poison-ivy rash preventative; others rub on the frozen tea, in the form of ice cubes, as a remedy. The poultice is also a folk remedy for bruises, burns, cuts, eczema, insect bites, sores, sprains, warts, and ringworm.
Plant: 60-150cm tall; annual; stem succulent, exudes juice when broken
Flower: bilateral, longer than broad; orange with red-brown spots; pendant
Fruit: elongate pod that springs open explosively when ripe
Leaves: alternate upper; opposite lower; coarsely toothed; oval, succulent
Availability: June–September
Habitat: wet, shady places
Uses: Crushed leaves or mucilaginous stem juice that is harvested before flowering can be applied on recent poison-ivy rash. A 1957 study found it effective, in 2-3 days, in treating 108 of 115 patients. Some people swear by the leaf tea as a poison-ivy rash preventative; others rub on the frozen tea, in the form of ice cubes, as a remedy. The poultice is also a folk remedy for bruises, burns, cuts, eczema, insect bites, sores, sprains, warts, and ringworm.
Blue Flag - Iris versicolor L.
Jim Stasz @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Status: OBL
Plant: 30-90cm tall, usually in small discrete clumps; perennial
Flower: blue, with white and yellow areas with dark veining and spots on the “fall” sepals, 3 parted; up to 10cm wide
Leaves: alternate, simple; parallel veined
Availability: May–July
Habitat: marshes, wet meadows
History of Use: Native Americans used the root poultice on swellings, sores, bruises, rheumatism, and as an analgesic agent. Internally, the root tea was used as a strong laxative, emetic, and to stimulate bile flow. Physicians formerly used the root in small, frequent does to “cleanse” blood and stimulate the bowels, kidney, and liver. Homeopathically used for migraines and as a cathartic, diuretic, and emetic.
Warning: Considered poisonous.
Plant: 30-90cm tall, usually in small discrete clumps; perennial
Flower: blue, with white and yellow areas with dark veining and spots on the “fall” sepals, 3 parted; up to 10cm wide
Leaves: alternate, simple; parallel veined
Availability: May–July
Habitat: marshes, wet meadows
History of Use: Native Americans used the root poultice on swellings, sores, bruises, rheumatism, and as an analgesic agent. Internally, the root tea was used as a strong laxative, emetic, and to stimulate bile flow. Physicians formerly used the root in small, frequent does to “cleanse” blood and stimulate the bowels, kidney, and liver. Homeopathically used for migraines and as a cathartic, diuretic, and emetic.
Warning: Considered poisonous.
Canada Lily - Lilium canadense L.
Jane Villa-Lobos @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Status: FAC+
Plant: 60-150cm tall; perennial
Flower: 6 parted, orange, yellow, or red, 5-10cm across; petals often brown-spotted; bell-shaped, nodding, in clusters
Leaves: whorled; lance-shaped; parallel veins, rough to touch on underside of leaves
Availability: July–August
Habitat: moist meadows, ditches, streamsides
History of Use: Native Americans used the root tea for stomach ailments, irregular menses, dysentery, and rheumatism; the root poultice was used for snakebites.
Plant: 60-150cm tall; perennial
Flower: 6 parted, orange, yellow, or red, 5-10cm across; petals often brown-spotted; bell-shaped, nodding, in clusters
Leaves: whorled; lance-shaped; parallel veins, rough to touch on underside of leaves
Availability: July–August
Habitat: moist meadows, ditches, streamsides
History of Use: Native Americans used the root tea for stomach ailments, irregular menses, dysentery, and rheumatism; the root poultice was used for snakebites.
Twinflower - Linnaea borealis L.
Al Schneider @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Status: FAC
Plants: 8-15cm tall; evergreen; form sprawling mats; stems become woody with age; too rare to harvest
Flowers: nodding, bell-shaped, ~12mm long; 5 pink to pinkish white petals, 5 green sepals; in pairs on “Y” shaped stalk
Fruits: small one-seeded capsule
Leaves: opposite; small (~2cm), egg-shaped to rounded; glossy; persisting for 2 years
Availability: June–July
Habitat: swamps, boreal forests
History of Use: Algonquins used the plant tea as a tonic for pregnancy and in difficult or painful menstruation; it was also used for children’s cramps and fevers.
Plants: 8-15cm tall; evergreen; form sprawling mats; stems become woody with age; too rare to harvest
Flowers: nodding, bell-shaped, ~12mm long; 5 pink to pinkish white petals, 5 green sepals; in pairs on “Y” shaped stalk
Fruits: small one-seeded capsule
Leaves: opposite; small (~2cm), egg-shaped to rounded; glossy; persisting for 2 years
Availability: June–July
Habitat: swamps, boreal forests
History of Use: Algonquins used the plant tea as a tonic for pregnancy and in difficult or painful menstruation; it was also used for children’s cramps and fevers.
Cardinal Flower - Lobelia cardinalis L.
Thomas G. Barnes @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Plant: 60-120cm tall; perennial
Flower: bilateral symmetry, bright red, large (25-35mm long) in brilliant spikes; lower lip split in 3, upper lip split in 2 with long stamens projecting through split
Leaves: alternate, toothed, oval to lance-shaped
Availability: July–September
Habitat: streambanks, wet meadows
History of Use: Native Americans used the root tea for stomachaches, syphilis, typhoid, worms, and an ingredient of “love potions”. Leaf tea was used for colds, croup, nosebleeds, fevers, headaches, and rheumatism. This plant was considered a substitute for Indian-tobacco, Lobelia inflata L., but with weaker effects; it was rarely used.
Warning: Potentially toxic; degree of toxicity unknown.
Flower: bilateral symmetry, bright red, large (25-35mm long) in brilliant spikes; lower lip split in 3, upper lip split in 2 with long stamens projecting through split
Leaves: alternate, toothed, oval to lance-shaped
Availability: July–September
Habitat: streambanks, wet meadows
History of Use: Native Americans used the root tea for stomachaches, syphilis, typhoid, worms, and an ingredient of “love potions”. Leaf tea was used for colds, croup, nosebleeds, fevers, headaches, and rheumatism. This plant was considered a substitute for Indian-tobacco, Lobelia inflata L., but with weaker effects; it was rarely used.
Warning: Potentially toxic; degree of toxicity unknown.
Cut-Leaf Water Horehound - Lycopus americanus Muhl. ex W. Bart.
Larry Allain @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Plant: 15-60cm; square stems; perennial
Flower: bilateral, white; lower lip has 3 lobes, upper has 2 lobes; flowers tiny (~4-5mm) in dense clusters in axils of leaves
Leaves: opposite, toothed; teeth of basal leaves deeply cut, almost lobes, upper leaves teeth not as deeply cut; not strongly mint-scented
Availability: June–September
Habitat: wet places
Uses: The whitish, screw-like horizontal root is edible and can be used as a mild sedative, astringent; especially for heart diseases, chronic lung ailments, coughs, fast pulse, thyroid disease, and diabetes. Science has confirmed the potential value of this plant in treating hyperthyroidism.
Flower: bilateral, white; lower lip has 3 lobes, upper has 2 lobes; flowers tiny (~4-5mm) in dense clusters in axils of leaves
Leaves: opposite, toothed; teeth of basal leaves deeply cut, almost lobes, upper leaves teeth not as deeply cut; not strongly mint-scented
Availability: June–September
Habitat: wet places
Uses: The whitish, screw-like horizontal root is edible and can be used as a mild sedative, astringent; especially for heart diseases, chronic lung ailments, coughs, fast pulse, thyroid disease, and diabetes. Science has confirmed the potential value of this plant in treating hyperthyroidism.
Purple Loosestrife - Lythrum salicaria L.
Thomas G. Barnes @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Plant: 60-120cm tall; perennial; sometimes grow in colonies
Flower: 6 parted (sometimes 4 or 5), 12-18mm wide, purple; multiple blooms in upper leaf axils, forming a dense spike at top of plant
Leaves: opposite (sometimes in whorls of 3); lance-shaped, widest at the base, almost clasping stem
Availability: June–September
Habitat: swamps and wet meadows
Uses: Tea made from whole flowering plant (fresh or dried) is a European folk remedy for diarrhea, dysentery; gargle for sore throats; douche for leucorrhea, cleansing wash for wounds.
Flower: 6 parted (sometimes 4 or 5), 12-18mm wide, purple; multiple blooms in upper leaf axils, forming a dense spike at top of plant
Leaves: opposite (sometimes in whorls of 3); lance-shaped, widest at the base, almost clasping stem
Availability: June–September
Habitat: swamps and wet meadows
Uses: Tea made from whole flowering plant (fresh or dried) is a European folk remedy for diarrhea, dysentery; gargle for sore throats; douche for leucorrhea, cleansing wash for wounds.
Canada Mayflower - Maianthemum canadense Desf.
Thomas G. Barnes @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Plant: 7-15cm; perennial; often forms large colonies
Flower: white, 4 parted; flowers in a small raceme
Fruit: berries white, then turning pale red
Leaves: alternate; usually 2, sometimes 3; deeply cleft heart-shape base; parallel veins
Availability: April–July
Habitat: woods
History of Use: Native Americans used the plant tea for headaches and to “keep kidneys open during pregnancy”; also used a gargle for sore throats. The root has been used as a good luck charm for winning games and as a folk expectorant for coughs and soothing to sore throats.
Flower: white, 4 parted; flowers in a small raceme
Fruit: berries white, then turning pale red
Leaves: alternate; usually 2, sometimes 3; deeply cleft heart-shape base; parallel veins
Availability: April–July
Habitat: woods
History of Use: Native Americans used the plant tea for headaches and to “keep kidneys open during pregnancy”; also used a gargle for sore throats. The root has been used as a good luck charm for winning games and as a folk expectorant for coughs and soothing to sore throats.
Wild Mint - Mentha arvensis L.
Al Schneider @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Plants: 15-50cm tall; square stem, more or less hairy; perennial
Flowers: tiny clusters in leaf axils; bilateral symmetry, pale violet or sometimes white
Leaves: opposite, toothed; 7-15cm long, egg-shaped to oblong; smells strongly of mint
Availability: June–October
Habitat: moist or wet open spaces, shores
History of Use: Native Americans used the leaf tea for colds, fevers, sore throats, gas, colic, indigestion, headaches, and diarrhea; the same medicinal uses as for Peppermint and Spearmint in Western folk medicine.
Flowers: tiny clusters in leaf axils; bilateral symmetry, pale violet or sometimes white
Leaves: opposite, toothed; 7-15cm long, egg-shaped to oblong; smells strongly of mint
Availability: June–October
Habitat: moist or wet open spaces, shores
History of Use: Native Americans used the leaf tea for colds, fevers, sore throats, gas, colic, indigestion, headaches, and diarrhea; the same medicinal uses as for Peppermint and Spearmint in Western folk medicine.
Buckbean - Menyanthes trifoliata L.
Susan McDougall @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Plants: emergent with leaves and flower above water; arising from creeping rootstalk
Flowers: clustered at top of stalk; 5-parted, star-shaped, ~15mm across; white to pink, petals are fringed with long white hairs
Fruits: ellipsoid capsule, 8-10mm long
Leaves: alternate; compound with 3 leaflets; leaflets oblong to elliptical, 5-10cm long and 2.5 to 5cm wide, toothless, not hairy; clover-like
Availability: April–July
Habitat: shallow water of bogs and ponds
Uses: Dried leaf or root tea are traditionally used as a digestive tonic, fevers, rheumatism, liver ailments, dropsy, worms, skin diseases, and stops bleeding. Science confirms phenolic acids may be responsible for bile-secreting, digestive tonic, and bitter qualities.
Warning: Fresh plant causes vomiting.
Flowers: clustered at top of stalk; 5-parted, star-shaped, ~15mm across; white to pink, petals are fringed with long white hairs
Fruits: ellipsoid capsule, 8-10mm long
Leaves: alternate; compound with 3 leaflets; leaflets oblong to elliptical, 5-10cm long and 2.5 to 5cm wide, toothless, not hairy; clover-like
Availability: April–July
Habitat: shallow water of bogs and ponds
Uses: Dried leaf or root tea are traditionally used as a digestive tonic, fevers, rheumatism, liver ailments, dropsy, worms, skin diseases, and stops bleeding. Science confirms phenolic acids may be responsible for bile-secreting, digestive tonic, and bitter qualities.
Warning: Fresh plant causes vomiting.
White Water Lily - Nymphaea odorata Aiton
Robin R. Buckallew @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Plant: floating leaved, from rhizome; perennial
Flower: white; 6-9cm across, open during the day; sepals and numerous (7-43) petals in whorls of 4; sepals green to reddish green; petals white, lanceolate and tapering toward tip; stamens 35-120, yellow; stigmatic disk yellow
Leaves: basal; ovate to nearly circular, notch with sharp often eared corners; 10-40cm long; green above, greenish to reddish purple below
Availability: June–September
Habitats: ponds, lakes, sluggish streams, marshes, ditches, sloughs, canals
History of Use: Native Americans used the root tea for coughs, tuberculosis, inflamed glands, mouth sores, to stop bleeding, and bowel complaints; poulticed root for swellings. In folk tradition, a mixture of root and lemon juice was used to remove freckles and pimples.
Warning: Large doses may be toxic.
Flower: white; 6-9cm across, open during the day; sepals and numerous (7-43) petals in whorls of 4; sepals green to reddish green; petals white, lanceolate and tapering toward tip; stamens 35-120, yellow; stigmatic disk yellow
Leaves: basal; ovate to nearly circular, notch with sharp often eared corners; 10-40cm long; green above, greenish to reddish purple below
Availability: June–September
Habitats: ponds, lakes, sluggish streams, marshes, ditches, sloughs, canals
History of Use: Native Americans used the root tea for coughs, tuberculosis, inflamed glands, mouth sores, to stop bleeding, and bowel complaints; poulticed root for swellings. In folk tradition, a mixture of root and lemon juice was used to remove freckles and pimples.
Warning: Large doses may be toxic.
Marshpepper Smartweed - Polygonum hydropiper L.
Dan Busemeyer @ University of Tennessee Herbarium
Plant: 10-60cm tall; annual; stem reddish; sheaths of joints usually not fringed; from taproot
Flower: 4 parted (sometimes 5), greenish-white; slender spikes 25-75mm long, drooping at tips
Leaves: alternate; wavy margins; extremely acrid-peppery to taste; sheaths at nodes wrap completely around stem and overlap in front
Availability: June–November
Habitat: moist soil, shores
History of Use: Native Americans had used the leaf tea as a diuretic for painful or bloody urination, fevers, chills, internal bleeding, menstrual and uterine disorders. Leaves are poulticed for pain, piles, and rubbed onto a child’s thumb to prevent sucking. The leaves contain rutin, which helps strengthen fragile capillaries, which helps prevent bleeding.
Warning: Plant can irritate skin.
Flower: 4 parted (sometimes 5), greenish-white; slender spikes 25-75mm long, drooping at tips
Leaves: alternate; wavy margins; extremely acrid-peppery to taste; sheaths at nodes wrap completely around stem and overlap in front
Availability: June–November
Habitat: moist soil, shores
History of Use: Native Americans had used the leaf tea as a diuretic for painful or bloody urination, fevers, chills, internal bleeding, menstrual and uterine disorders. Leaves are poulticed for pain, piles, and rubbed onto a child’s thumb to prevent sucking. The leaves contain rutin, which helps strengthen fragile capillaries, which helps prevent bleeding.
Warning: Plant can irritate skin.
Spotted Lady's Thumb - Polygonum persicaria L.
Patrick J. Alexander @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Plants: 15-45cm tall; perennial; erect or sprawling; stems reddish, hairless; form taproot
Flowers: in thick dense terminal spikes; individual flowers tiny (1.5-3.0mm long), 5 parted
Fruit: brown to black; glossy, egg shaped; 2mm long
Leaves: alternate; lance-shaped, 2.5-15cm long by 0.5-1.3cm wide, tip tapering to point; purple spot in middle of leaf resembles the mark of a lady’s thumb
Availability: June–October
Habitat: marshes, streambanks, edge of ponds, ditches
History of Use: Native Americans had adopted the leaf tea for heart troubles, stomachaches, and as a diuretic for kidney stones. The whole herb was poulticed for pain, rubbed on poison-ivy rash, and on horses’ backs to keep flies away. Leaf tea was used as a foot soak for rheumatic pains. In European tradition, leaf tea was used for inflammation, stomachaches, and sore throats.
Warning: Fresh juice may cause irritation.
Flowers: in thick dense terminal spikes; individual flowers tiny (1.5-3.0mm long), 5 parted
Fruit: brown to black; glossy, egg shaped; 2mm long
Leaves: alternate; lance-shaped, 2.5-15cm long by 0.5-1.3cm wide, tip tapering to point; purple spot in middle of leaf resembles the mark of a lady’s thumb
Availability: June–October
Habitat: marshes, streambanks, edge of ponds, ditches
History of Use: Native Americans had adopted the leaf tea for heart troubles, stomachaches, and as a diuretic for kidney stones. The whole herb was poulticed for pain, rubbed on poison-ivy rash, and on horses’ backs to keep flies away. Leaf tea was used as a foot soak for rheumatic pains. In European tradition, leaf tea was used for inflammation, stomachaches, and sore throats.
Warning: Fresh juice may cause irritation.
Tall Buttercup - Ranunculus acris L.
W.D. Bransford @ Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Plant: 30-90cm tall; branching, usually hairy
Flower: 5 parted, yellow; waxy, petals overlap
Fruit: achenes not hooked on end
Leaves: alternate, deeply lobed; larger leaves (4-10cm) divided into 3-7 by deep clefts
Availability: May–September
Habitat: fields and meadows
History of Use: Fresh leaves was used as external rubefacient in rheumatism, arthritis, and neuralgia. Native Americans poulticed root for boils and abscesses, to irritate the affected areas.
Warning: Extremely acrid, causing intense pain and burning of mouth, mucous membranes; blisters skin. Avoid use. Similar warning applies to other buttercup and many other plants in the buttercup family.
Flower: 5 parted, yellow; waxy, petals overlap
Fruit: achenes not hooked on end
Leaves: alternate, deeply lobed; larger leaves (4-10cm) divided into 3-7 by deep clefts
Availability: May–September
Habitat: fields and meadows
History of Use: Fresh leaves was used as external rubefacient in rheumatism, arthritis, and neuralgia. Native Americans poulticed root for boils and abscesses, to irritate the affected areas.
Warning: Extremely acrid, causing intense pain and burning of mouth, mucous membranes; blisters skin. Avoid use. Similar warning applies to other buttercup and many other plants in the buttercup family.
Greater Creeping Spearwort - Ranunculus flammula L.
Brother Alfred Brousseau @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Plants: up to 10cm tall; stems creeping up to 50cm
Flowers: 5 parted, yellow; petals 4-6mm long, as long as sepals
Fruits: 2-3mm long, hairless, in a round cluster of 5-25
Leaves: simple, narrow and linear, 10-15cm long, hairless
Habitat: swamps, muddy river banks
No medicinal uses were documented.
Warning: Mildly poisonous; leaves produce an acrid juice that causes skin redness, burning sensation, and blisters.
Flowers: 5 parted, yellow; petals 4-6mm long, as long as sepals
Fruits: 2-3mm long, hairless, in a round cluster of 5-25
Leaves: simple, narrow and linear, 10-15cm long, hairless
Habitat: swamps, muddy river banks
No medicinal uses were documented.
Warning: Mildly poisonous; leaves produce an acrid juice that causes skin redness, burning sensation, and blisters.
Broadleaf Arrowhead - Sagittaria latifolia Willd.
Elaine Haug @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Plants: in shallow water; perennial
Flowers: on very long stalks, usually in whorls of 3; flowers 3 parted, white, 25-35mm across
Leaves: basal, entire; most leaves arrowhead-shaped, width varies; lobe of arrowhead is equal to about 1/2 the total length of the leaf blade
Availability: June–September
Habitat: shallow water, pond edges
History of Use: Native Americans ate the tubers like potatoes or used them in a tea for indigestion or poulticed them for wounds and sores. Leaf tea was used for rheumatism and to wash babies with fever, and were poulticed to stop milk production.
Warning: Arrowheads (not necessarily this species) may cause dermatitis, Do not confuse with Water Arum (Calla palustris L.).
Flowers: on very long stalks, usually in whorls of 3; flowers 3 parted, white, 25-35mm across
Leaves: basal, entire; most leaves arrowhead-shaped, width varies; lobe of arrowhead is equal to about 1/2 the total length of the leaf blade
Availability: June–September
Habitat: shallow water, pond edges
History of Use: Native Americans ate the tubers like potatoes or used them in a tea for indigestion or poulticed them for wounds and sores. Leaf tea was used for rheumatism and to wash babies with fever, and were poulticed to stop milk production.
Warning: Arrowheads (not necessarily this species) may cause dermatitis, Do not confuse with Water Arum (Calla palustris L.).
Purple Pitcherplant - Sarracenia purpurea L.
Thomas G. Barnes @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Plant: 20-60cm tall; perennial; rosette of leaves around the base of the flower stalk; carnivorous
Flower: single, nodding, at the top of a thick leafless stalk; 5 parted, red sepals and petals with a large flattened pistil, ~5cm wide
Leaves: pitcher-shaped, 10-30cm long, downward pointing hairs on inside; green with brownish-red streaks and speckles
Availability: May–July
Habitat: bogs; fens
History of Use: Native Americans used the root to treat smallpox, lung and liver ailments, spitting up of blood; childbirth aid and as a diuretic. The dried leaf tea was used for fevers, chills, and shakiness. Physicians have considered the herb to be a stimulating tonic, diuretic, and laxative. The plant was thought to be a preventive for smallpox; European physicians researched the plant as a possible smallpox cure in the 19th century but without success. Thus, medicinal merit not proved, or disproved.
Flower: single, nodding, at the top of a thick leafless stalk; 5 parted, red sepals and petals with a large flattened pistil, ~5cm wide
Leaves: pitcher-shaped, 10-30cm long, downward pointing hairs on inside; green with brownish-red streaks and speckles
Availability: May–July
Habitat: bogs; fens
History of Use: Native Americans used the root to treat smallpox, lung and liver ailments, spitting up of blood; childbirth aid and as a diuretic. The dried leaf tea was used for fevers, chills, and shakiness. Physicians have considered the herb to be a stimulating tonic, diuretic, and laxative. The plant was thought to be a preventive for smallpox; European physicians researched the plant as a possible smallpox cure in the 19th century but without success. Thus, medicinal merit not proved, or disproved.
Narrowleaf Blue-eyed Grass - Sisyrinchium angustifolium Mill.
Erica Asai @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Plant: 15-60cm tall; perennial; flowering stem sometimes branched, distinctly winged (2-3mm), bearing a leaf-like bract in the middle
Flower: 6 parted, blue with yellow center; flower 1.9cm across, petals with small pointed tip
Leaves: up to 50 cm; grow in the shape of a fan; bright green
Availability: May–July
Habitat: swamps, wet meadows, marshes, roadsides; shores
History of Use: Native Americans used the root tea for diarrhea in children, and the plant tea for worms and stomachaches.
Flower: 6 parted, blue with yellow center; flower 1.9cm across, petals with small pointed tip
Leaves: up to 50 cm; grow in the shape of a fan; bright green
Availability: May–July
Habitat: swamps, wet meadows, marshes, roadsides; shores
History of Use: Native Americans used the root tea for diarrhea in children, and the plant tea for worms and stomachaches.
Bitter Nightshade - Solanum dulcamara L.
R.A. Howard @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Plant: 60-200cm long; sprawling, vine-like stems without tendrils
Flower: 5 parted, violet (sometimes white); petals curved back, protruding yellow beak formed by anthers; ~12mm across
Fruit: cluster of egg-shaped berries, green turning red (somewhat poisonous)
Leaves: alternate, lobed (2 small lobes at base)
Availability: May–September
Habitat: moist thickets
Uses: Externally, plant is a folk remedy for felons, warts, and tumors; science confirms significant anti-cancer activity. It is also used as a starting material for steroids. Formerly used as narcotic, diuretic, sweat inducer, and for skin eruptions, rheumatism, gout, bronchitis, and whooping cough.
Warning: Toxic. Contains steroids, toxic alkaloids, and glucosides. Will cause vomiting, vertigo, convulsions, weakened heart, and paralysis.
Flower: 5 parted, violet (sometimes white); petals curved back, protruding yellow beak formed by anthers; ~12mm across
Fruit: cluster of egg-shaped berries, green turning red (somewhat poisonous)
Leaves: alternate, lobed (2 small lobes at base)
Availability: May–September
Habitat: moist thickets
Uses: Externally, plant is a folk remedy for felons, warts, and tumors; science confirms significant anti-cancer activity. It is also used as a starting material for steroids. Formerly used as narcotic, diuretic, sweat inducer, and for skin eruptions, rheumatism, gout, bronchitis, and whooping cough.
Warning: Toxic. Contains steroids, toxic alkaloids, and glucosides. Will cause vomiting, vertigo, convulsions, weakened heart, and paralysis.
Skunk Cabbage - Symplocarpus foetidus (L.) Nutt.
R.A. Howard @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Plant: 30-60cm tall; perennial
Flower: hooded spathe knob-shaped, 7-14cm tall, mottled purple brown to green; spadix ball-like, surrounded by spathe
Leaves: basal, coiled at first then unfolding; up to 60cm long and 30cm wide; ovate to cordate, rounded at the base; mature leaves release a skunk odor when crushed
Availability: February–May
Habitat: swamps, marshes
History of Use: Native Americans used the root for cramps, convulsions, whooping coughs, toothaches, and the dried root was eaten to stop epileptic seizures. The root was poulticed for wounds and as underarm deodorant while leaf was poulticed to reduce swelling. The plant was also used in lotion for itching and rheumatism.
Warning: Eating leaves causes burning and inflammation. Roots are considered toxic.
Flower: hooded spathe knob-shaped, 7-14cm tall, mottled purple brown to green; spadix ball-like, surrounded by spathe
Leaves: basal, coiled at first then unfolding; up to 60cm long and 30cm wide; ovate to cordate, rounded at the base; mature leaves release a skunk odor when crushed
Availability: February–May
Habitat: swamps, marshes
History of Use: Native Americans used the root for cramps, convulsions, whooping coughs, toothaches, and the dried root was eaten to stop epileptic seizures. The root was poulticed for wounds and as underarm deodorant while leaf was poulticed to reduce swelling. The plant was also used in lotion for itching and rheumatism.
Warning: Eating leaves causes burning and inflammation. Roots are considered toxic.
Foamflower - Tiarella cordifolia L.
Thomas G. Barnes @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Plant: 15-30cm tall; perennial
Flower: 5 parted, white; long conspicuous stamens
Leaves: maple-like; deeply heart-shaped base with 5-7 shallow lobes
Availability: April–May
Habitat: rich woods
History of Use: Native Americans used the leaf tea as a mouthwash for “white coated tongue”, mouth sores, and eye ailments. The root tea was once used as a diuretic, for diarrhea, and poulticed on wounds. The high tannin content may explain traditional uses.
Flower: 5 parted, white; long conspicuous stamens
Leaves: maple-like; deeply heart-shaped base with 5-7 shallow lobes
Availability: April–May
Habitat: rich woods
History of Use: Native Americans used the leaf tea as a mouthwash for “white coated tongue”, mouth sores, and eye ailments. The root tea was once used as a diuretic, for diarrhea, and poulticed on wounds. The high tannin content may explain traditional uses.
Wide Leaved Cattail - Typha latifolia L.
Sheri Hagwood @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Plant: 1.2-2.7m tall; perennial
Flower: tiny, brown; flowering stalk stiff, topped with yellow, pollen-laden male flowers above brown female flowerheads, the two touching or up to 4cm apart
Fruit: mature “cattail”
Leaves: alternate (may appear to be basal); widest 10-23mm
Availability: May–July
Habitat: marshes, wet ditches
History of Use: Native Americans poulticed the pounded roots on wounds, sores, boils, carbuncles, inflammations, burns, and scalds. Fuzz from mature female flowerheads were applied to scalds, burns, and to prevent chafing in babies. Young flowerheads and root infused in milk were eaten for diarrhea. Pulp can be converted to rayon. Root tea of Narrowleaf Cattail (T. angustifolia) has been used for kidney stones.
Warning: Cattail is suspected of being poisonous to grazing animals.
Flower: tiny, brown; flowering stalk stiff, topped with yellow, pollen-laden male flowers above brown female flowerheads, the two touching or up to 4cm apart
Fruit: mature “cattail”
Leaves: alternate (may appear to be basal); widest 10-23mm
Availability: May–July
Habitat: marshes, wet ditches
History of Use: Native Americans poulticed the pounded roots on wounds, sores, boils, carbuncles, inflammations, burns, and scalds. Fuzz from mature female flowerheads were applied to scalds, burns, and to prevent chafing in babies. Young flowerheads and root infused in milk were eaten for diarrhea. Pulp can be converted to rayon. Root tea of Narrowleaf Cattail (T. angustifolia) has been used for kidney stones.
Warning: Cattail is suspected of being poisonous to grazing animals.
Stinging Nettle - Urtica diocia L.
George H. Bruso @ Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Plant: 60-100cm tall; perennial; hollow stem, 4 angled
Flower: green-brown, tiny; in clusters on two spikes arising in each of the upper leaf axils; male and female flowers may be on different plants
Leaves: opposite, coarsely toothed; oval; covered with stinging hairs
Availability: June–September
Habitat: damp soil, thickets
Uses: The leaf tea was used traditionally in Europe as a diuretic, astringent, and for anemia, gout, glandular diseases, rheumatism, poor circulation, enlarged spleen, mucous discharges of lungs, internal bleeding, diarrhea, and dysentery. Iron-rich leaves have been cooked as a potherb. Studies suggest CNS-depressant, antibacterial, and mitogenic activity; inhibits effects of adrenaline. Recently, Germans have been using the root in treatments for prostate cancer. Russians are using the leaves in alcohol for cholecystitis (inflammation or the gall bladder) and hepatitis. Some people keep potted Stinging Nettle in the kitchen window, alongside an Aloe plant, in the belief that an occasional sting alleviates arthritis.
Warning: Fresh plants sting. Dried plant (used in tea) does not sting. One fatality has been attributed rightly or wrongly, to the sting of a larger tropical nettle.
Flower: green-brown, tiny; in clusters on two spikes arising in each of the upper leaf axils; male and female flowers may be on different plants
Leaves: opposite, coarsely toothed; oval; covered with stinging hairs
Availability: June–September
Habitat: damp soil, thickets
Uses: The leaf tea was used traditionally in Europe as a diuretic, astringent, and for anemia, gout, glandular diseases, rheumatism, poor circulation, enlarged spleen, mucous discharges of lungs, internal bleeding, diarrhea, and dysentery. Iron-rich leaves have been cooked as a potherb. Studies suggest CNS-depressant, antibacterial, and mitogenic activity; inhibits effects of adrenaline. Recently, Germans have been using the root in treatments for prostate cancer. Russians are using the leaves in alcohol for cholecystitis (inflammation or the gall bladder) and hepatitis. Some people keep potted Stinging Nettle in the kitchen window, alongside an Aloe plant, in the belief that an occasional sting alleviates arthritis.
Warning: Fresh plants sting. Dried plant (used in tea) does not sting. One fatality has been attributed rightly or wrongly, to the sting of a larger tropical nettle.
False Hellebore - Veratrum viride Aiton
William S. Justice @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Plants: 60-200cm tall; perennial
Flowers: in large (20-50cm tall) branched cluster at top of stem; flower 6 parted, star-shaped, yellowish-green then green, anthers dark
Leaves: alternate; large, oval, clasping, conspicuous parallel ribs; 20-30cm long and 7-15cm broad
Availability: April–July
Habitat: swamps, wet woods
Uses: The plant was historically valued as an analgesic for pain, epilepsy, convulsions, pneumonia, and heart sedative. The weak tea was used for sore throat and tonsillitis. The plant is used in pharmaceutical drugs to slow heart rate, lower blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, and forms of nephritis because of alkaloids found in the plant. Powered root is used in insecticides.
Warning: All parts, especially the root, are highly or fatally toxic. Leaves have been mistaken and eaten for Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana L.) or Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris L.).
Flowers: in large (20-50cm tall) branched cluster at top of stem; flower 6 parted, star-shaped, yellowish-green then green, anthers dark
Leaves: alternate; large, oval, clasping, conspicuous parallel ribs; 20-30cm long and 7-15cm broad
Availability: April–July
Habitat: swamps, wet woods
Uses: The plant was historically valued as an analgesic for pain, epilepsy, convulsions, pneumonia, and heart sedative. The weak tea was used for sore throat and tonsillitis. The plant is used in pharmaceutical drugs to slow heart rate, lower blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, and forms of nephritis because of alkaloids found in the plant. Powered root is used in insecticides.
Warning: All parts, especially the root, are highly or fatally toxic. Leaves have been mistaken and eaten for Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana L.) or Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris L.).
Common Vervain - Verbena hastata L.
Thomas G. Barnes @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Plant: 50-150cm tall; perennial; squarish stems
Flower: 5 parted; blue-violet; thin spikes of small (5-9mm across) flowers bloom sequentially
Fruit: 0.25cm long, 4 nutlets
Leaves: opposite, toothed; lower leaves lance-shaped, sometimes lobed; coarsely toothed, short-stalked
Availability: July–September
Habitat: wet meadows, riparian, roadsides, railroads, streambanks
History of Use: Native Americans had used the leaf tea as a “female tonic”; also for colds, coughs, fevers, bowel complaints, dysentery, and stomach cramps; used similarly by 19th century physicians. Causes vomiting in large doses. The root is considered more active than leaves.
Flower: 5 parted; blue-violet; thin spikes of small (5-9mm across) flowers bloom sequentially
Fruit: 0.25cm long, 4 nutlets
Leaves: opposite, toothed; lower leaves lance-shaped, sometimes lobed; coarsely toothed, short-stalked
Availability: July–September
Habitat: wet meadows, riparian, roadsides, railroads, streambanks
History of Use: Native Americans had used the leaf tea as a “female tonic”; also for colds, coughs, fevers, bowel complaints, dysentery, and stomach cramps; used similarly by 19th century physicians. Causes vomiting in large doses. The root is considered more active than leaves.
Golden Alexanders - Zizia aurea (L.) W. D. J. Koch
Steven Faucette @ Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Plant: 30-70cm tall; perennial; stem branching, often red-tinged
Flower: yellow, 5 parted; tiny, arranged in umbels
Leaves: alternate compound; divided into 3’s and subdivided again into 3-7 leaflets; individual leaflets lance-shaped to egg-shaped, with sharp teeth
Availability: April–June
Habitat: meadows, wet thickets swamps
History of Use: Native Americans used root tea for fevers. Historically, the plant has been referred to as an agent used to heal wounds and a sleep inducer; it was also used for syphilis.
Warning: Possibly toxic – eating a whole root has caused violent vomiting, which itself was believed to mitigate further adverse reaction.
Flower: yellow, 5 parted; tiny, arranged in umbels
Leaves: alternate compound; divided into 3’s and subdivided again into 3-7 leaflets; individual leaflets lance-shaped to egg-shaped, with sharp teeth
Availability: April–June
Habitat: meadows, wet thickets swamps
History of Use: Native Americans used root tea for fevers. Historically, the plant has been referred to as an agent used to heal wounds and a sleep inducer; it was also used for syphilis.
Warning: Possibly toxic – eating a whole root has caused violent vomiting, which itself was believed to mitigate further adverse reaction.
Ferns, Woody Plants, and Graminoids
Balsam Fir - Abies balsamea (L.) P. Mill.
Susan McDougall @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Tree: up to 15m tall, diameter up to 45cm; bark smooth with horizontal resin blisters
Needles: 10-22mm long, flattened with blunt tips; 2 white stripes paralleling the midvein underneath; needles attached directly to twigs on a broad circular base; twigs smooth where needles are missing
Cones: 2.5-7.0cm long; stand upright on twigs; scales tightly packed, cone solid; young cones purplish to greenish, brown when mature
Habitat: moist woods and swamps
Uses: Canada Balsam, an oleoresin, is collected by cutting bark blisters or pockets in wood from July to August. The oleoresin is pale yellow to greenish yellow; transparent and pleasantly scented. Its primary commercial application has been a sealing agent for mounting microscope slides. It can be used as an antiseptic, in creams and ointments for piles, and root-canal sealers. Diuretic (may irritate mucous membranes). Native Americans have applied resin as an analgesic for burns, sores, bruises, and wounds. Leaf tea can be used for colds, cough, and asthma.
Warning: Resin may cause dermatitis in some individuals.
Needles: 10-22mm long, flattened with blunt tips; 2 white stripes paralleling the midvein underneath; needles attached directly to twigs on a broad circular base; twigs smooth where needles are missing
Cones: 2.5-7.0cm long; stand upright on twigs; scales tightly packed, cone solid; young cones purplish to greenish, brown when mature
Habitat: moist woods and swamps
Uses: Canada Balsam, an oleoresin, is collected by cutting bark blisters or pockets in wood from July to August. The oleoresin is pale yellow to greenish yellow; transparent and pleasantly scented. Its primary commercial application has been a sealing agent for mounting microscope slides. It can be used as an antiseptic, in creams and ointments for piles, and root-canal sealers. Diuretic (may irritate mucous membranes). Native Americans have applied resin as an analgesic for burns, sores, bruises, and wounds. Leaf tea can be used for colds, cough, and asthma.
Warning: Resin may cause dermatitis in some individuals.
Box Elder - Acer negundo L.
J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Tree: up to 20m high; diameter to 1m
Leaves: 10-25cm long, opposite, 3-5 leaflets (occasionally up to 9); leaflets coarse-toothed to lobed
Buds: white-hairy
Twigs: purplish or greenish; leaf scars narrow and wrap around the twig to meet on the opposite side; 3 bundle scars
Bark: furrowed
Habitat: moist soil, especially along streambanks
Uses: Native Americans used the inner-bark tea as an emetic (induced vomiting). Sap boiled down to a sugar.
Leaves: 10-25cm long, opposite, 3-5 leaflets (occasionally up to 9); leaflets coarse-toothed to lobed
Buds: white-hairy
Twigs: purplish or greenish; leaf scars narrow and wrap around the twig to meet on the opposite side; 3 bundle scars
Bark: furrowed
Habitat: moist soil, especially along streambanks
Uses: Native Americans used the inner-bark tea as an emetic (induced vomiting). Sap boiled down to a sugar.
Sugar Maple - Acer saccharum Marsh.
J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Tree: up to 20m; diameter up to 60cm
Flowers and Fruits: yellowish flowers, drooping (up to 8cm), hairy stalks, opening as leaves open; samara fruit
Leaves: opposite-simple, green on both sides, 5-25cm long; 5 lobes, each with a few teeth; lobes with bottom of notch rounded
Twigs: glossy, reddish-brown
Bark: dark gray-brown with rough vertical ridges and furrows when mature
Habitat: mature upland forests
Uses: Native Americans used the inner bark tea for coughs, diarrhea, diuretic, and expectorant. Maple syrup was said to be a liver tonic and kidney cleanser, and used in cough syrups.
Flowers and Fruits: yellowish flowers, drooping (up to 8cm), hairy stalks, opening as leaves open; samara fruit
Leaves: opposite-simple, green on both sides, 5-25cm long; 5 lobes, each with a few teeth; lobes with bottom of notch rounded
Twigs: glossy, reddish-brown
Bark: dark gray-brown with rough vertical ridges and furrows when mature
Habitat: mature upland forests
Uses: Native Americans used the inner bark tea for coughs, diarrhea, diuretic, and expectorant. Maple syrup was said to be a liver tonic and kidney cleanser, and used in cough syrups.
Speckled Alder - Alnus incana (L.) Moench
Matthew L. Wagner @ UW-Stevens Point Freckmann Herbarium
_ Shrub: to 4m tall; diameter to 10cm
Flowers and Fruits: staminate catkins are clustered, elongate, and hang downward; pistillate catkins are shorter, short-stalked, woody, and usually persist on shrub through the following winter
Leaves: alternate-simple, 5-12cm, usually droop downward; egg-shaped, base rounded to heart-shaped; sharply double or single-toothed, almost with lobes; upper surface wrinkled, dull-green, veins deeply impressed; veinlets forming ladder-like pattern
Buds and Twigs: buds on short stalks; pith triangular
Bark: dark, speckled with numerous transverse white lenticels
Habitat: streambanks, swamps, wet soils
Uses: Native Americans used the bark tea for diarrhea, pain of childbirth, coughs, toothaches, sore mouth; diuretic, purgative, emetic; externally as an eye wash and a wash for hives, poison-ivy rash, piles, swellings, and sprains. It was used in the 1800s for malaria and syphilis.
Flowers and Fruits: staminate catkins are clustered, elongate, and hang downward; pistillate catkins are shorter, short-stalked, woody, and usually persist on shrub through the following winter
Leaves: alternate-simple, 5-12cm, usually droop downward; egg-shaped, base rounded to heart-shaped; sharply double or single-toothed, almost with lobes; upper surface wrinkled, dull-green, veins deeply impressed; veinlets forming ladder-like pattern
Buds and Twigs: buds on short stalks; pith triangular
Bark: dark, speckled with numerous transverse white lenticels
Habitat: streambanks, swamps, wet soils
Uses: Native Americans used the bark tea for diarrhea, pain of childbirth, coughs, toothaches, sore mouth; diuretic, purgative, emetic; externally as an eye wash and a wash for hives, poison-ivy rash, piles, swellings, and sprains. It was used in the 1800s for malaria and syphilis.
Smooth Alder - Alnus serrulata (Ait.) Willd.
Jeff McMillian @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
_ Shrub: to 4m tall; diameter to 10cm
Flowers and Fruits: staminate catkins clustered, elongate, pendent; pistillate catkins shorter, and woody-usually persist on shrub through the following winter
Leaves: alternate-simple, 5-12cm; egg-shaped, base wedge-shaped; sharply double or single-toothed; shiny green on upper surface; yellow-green beneath
Buds and Twigs: buds on short stalks; pith triangular
Bark: dark, speckled with a few short transverse white lenticels or without
Habitat: streambanks
Uses: Native Americans used the bark tea for diarrhea, pain of childbirth, coughs, toothaches, sore mouth; diuretic, purgative, emetic; externally as an eye wash and a wash for hives, poison-ivy rash, piles, swellings, and sprains. It was used in the 1800s for malaria and syphilis.
Flowers and Fruits: staminate catkins clustered, elongate, pendent; pistillate catkins shorter, and woody-usually persist on shrub through the following winter
Leaves: alternate-simple, 5-12cm; egg-shaped, base wedge-shaped; sharply double or single-toothed; shiny green on upper surface; yellow-green beneath
Buds and Twigs: buds on short stalks; pith triangular
Bark: dark, speckled with a few short transverse white lenticels or without
Habitat: streambanks
Uses: Native Americans used the bark tea for diarrhea, pain of childbirth, coughs, toothaches, sore mouth; diuretic, purgative, emetic; externally as an eye wash and a wash for hives, poison-ivy rash, piles, swellings, and sprains. It was used in the 1800s for malaria and syphilis.
Lady Fern - Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Roth.
Ted Bodner @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Fronds: 30 to 100cm; broad, lance-shaped; mostly twice-divided, lacy-cut; tips drooping; toothed leaflets
Stipe: green, deeply furrowed in x-section; with a few blackish scales at base
Blade: 2x plus cut, sometimes almost 3x; semi-tapering; rachis green and furrowed in x-section
Sproangia: in elongate sori, usually comma-shaped and crossing over a vein in the pinnule; a flap-like covering arising from the basal side (may be absent or invisible); sori in rows on each side of central vein, more or less centrally located between the margin and the center
Habitat: moist woods
Uses: Native Americans used the root tea as a diuretic, to stop breast pains caused by childbirth, and induce milk in caked breasts. The stem tea was drank to ease labor. Dried, powdered root was used externally for sores. Japanese researchers found anti-gout potential in the related fern A. mersosorum.
Stipe: green, deeply furrowed in x-section; with a few blackish scales at base
Blade: 2x plus cut, sometimes almost 3x; semi-tapering; rachis green and furrowed in x-section
Sproangia: in elongate sori, usually comma-shaped and crossing over a vein in the pinnule; a flap-like covering arising from the basal side (may be absent or invisible); sori in rows on each side of central vein, more or less centrally located between the margin and the center
Habitat: moist woods
Uses: Native Americans used the root tea as a diuretic, to stop breast pains caused by childbirth, and induce milk in caked breasts. The stem tea was drank to ease labor. Dried, powdered root was used externally for sores. Japanese researchers found anti-gout potential in the related fern A. mersosorum.
Buttonbush - Cephalanthus occidentalis L.
Nelson DeBarros @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
_
Shrub: 1-3m tall
Flowers and Fruits: small (4mm) white 4-part tubular flowers clustered in a globe-shape on an elongate stalk; dense heads of small (5mm) fruits remain on the plant through the fall and winter
Leaves: oblong-ovate, smooth, opposite or in whorls of 3, simple; 8-15cm long
Twigs and Buds: lateral buds embedded in the twig bark
Habitat: shallow ponds, wet shores
Uses: Native Americans chewed the inner bark for toothaches; bark tea used as a wash for eye inflammation; also emetic, stops bleeding. The leaf tea was drunk to check menstrual flow; also used for fevers, coughs, kidney stones, malaria, palsy, pleurisy, and toothaches. Interestingly, this plant, which superficially resembles a diminutive Cinchona bush (source of quinine), belongs to the same plant family and has a folk reputation, as Dogwood does, for relieving fever and malaria.
Warning: Contains the glucosides cephalanthin and cephalin. The leaves have caused poisoning in grazing animals.
Flowers and Fruits: small (4mm) white 4-part tubular flowers clustered in a globe-shape on an elongate stalk; dense heads of small (5mm) fruits remain on the plant through the fall and winter
Leaves: oblong-ovate, smooth, opposite or in whorls of 3, simple; 8-15cm long
Twigs and Buds: lateral buds embedded in the twig bark
Habitat: shallow ponds, wet shores
Uses: Native Americans chewed the inner bark for toothaches; bark tea used as a wash for eye inflammation; also emetic, stops bleeding. The leaf tea was drunk to check menstrual flow; also used for fevers, coughs, kidney stones, malaria, palsy, pleurisy, and toothaches. Interestingly, this plant, which superficially resembles a diminutive Cinchona bush (source of quinine), belongs to the same plant family and has a folk reputation, as Dogwood does, for relieving fever and malaria.
Warning: Contains the glucosides cephalanthin and cephalin. The leaves have caused poisoning in grazing animals.
Hazelnut - Corylus americana Walt.
Sally and Andy Wasowski @ Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Shrub: to 3m tall
Flowers and Fruits: staminate flowers in catkin; fruit a nut (1.0-1.5cm) enclosed by thin, flattened, ragged-edges husk
Leaves: alternate-simple, 5-12cm; double-toothed; somewhat heart-shaped, hairy underneath
Buds and Twigs: buds, twigs, petioles of leaves bristly hairy; leaf-stalks and twigs with stalked glands; buds rounded, blunt, brown-gray
Bark: smooth, brown
Habitat: dry or moist woods, thickets
Uses: Native Americans drank the bark tea for hives, and fevers; poultice used to close cuts and wounds, treat wounds, old sores, and skin cancers. Twig hairs were used by Native Americans and historically by physicians to expel worms.
Flowers and Fruits: staminate flowers in catkin; fruit a nut (1.0-1.5cm) enclosed by thin, flattened, ragged-edges husk
Leaves: alternate-simple, 5-12cm; double-toothed; somewhat heart-shaped, hairy underneath
Buds and Twigs: buds, twigs, petioles of leaves bristly hairy; leaf-stalks and twigs with stalked glands; buds rounded, blunt, brown-gray
Bark: smooth, brown
Habitat: dry or moist woods, thickets
Uses: Native Americans drank the bark tea for hives, and fevers; poultice used to close cuts and wounds, treat wounds, old sores, and skin cancers. Twig hairs were used by Native Americans and historically by physicians to expel worms.
Leatherwood - Dirca palustris L.
Jeff McMillian @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Shrub: up to 2m
Flowers and Fruits: base of sepals fused to form a tube enclosing flower; pale yellow-green, minute petals; fruit turns from green to red, 12-15mm
Leaves: alternate-simple, 5-8cm; ovate; short leaf stalks (5-8mm)
Buds and Twigs: short leaf stalks entirely cover velvety-brown buds; leaf scars encircle next year’s bud making the twig appear jointed, 5 bundle scars; bark of twigs very tough and fibrous, cannot be broken by hand
Habitat: rich, moist woods
Uses: Native Americans used the bark tea as a laxative. Minute doses cause burning of tongue and salivation. It is a folk remedy for toothaches, facial neuralgia, and paralysis of tongue.
Warning: Poisonous. Causes severe dermatitis, with redness, blistering, and sores.
Flowers and Fruits: base of sepals fused to form a tube enclosing flower; pale yellow-green, minute petals; fruit turns from green to red, 12-15mm
Leaves: alternate-simple, 5-8cm; ovate; short leaf stalks (5-8mm)
Buds and Twigs: short leaf stalks entirely cover velvety-brown buds; leaf scars encircle next year’s bud making the twig appear jointed, 5 bundle scars; bark of twigs very tough and fibrous, cannot be broken by hand
Habitat: rich, moist woods
Uses: Native Americans used the bark tea as a laxative. Minute doses cause burning of tongue and salivation. It is a folk remedy for toothaches, facial neuralgia, and paralysis of tongue.
Warning: Poisonous. Causes severe dermatitis, with redness, blistering, and sores.
Crested Wood Fern - Dryopteris cristata (L.) Gray
Michael G. Alder @ Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Fertile Fronds: 35-70 x 8-12 cm; stipe ¼ to 1/3 of frond length; die back during winter
Sterile Fronds: narrower and often shorter; several small sterile fronds will form a basal rosette which overwinters
Stipe: tan, scattered scales at the base
Blade: narrowly oblong; pinnae, at least basal ones, broadest near stipe, more or less triangular, twisted at right angles to plane of the blade so that they are horizontal
Sporangia: in rounded sori covered by kidney-shaped indusial; midway between centers and margins of secondary pinnae
Habitat: marshes, bogs, swamps, shrubby wetlands
Uses: Root tea traditionally used to induce sweating, clear chest congestion, and expel intestinal worms.
Sterile Fronds: narrower and often shorter; several small sterile fronds will form a basal rosette which overwinters
Stipe: tan, scattered scales at the base
Blade: narrowly oblong; pinnae, at least basal ones, broadest near stipe, more or less triangular, twisted at right angles to plane of the blade so that they are horizontal
Sporangia: in rounded sori covered by kidney-shaped indusial; midway between centers and margins of secondary pinnae
Habitat: marshes, bogs, swamps, shrubby wetlands
Uses: Root tea traditionally used to induce sweating, clear chest congestion, and expel intestinal worms.
Field Horsetail - Equisetum arvense L.
Thomas G. Barnes @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Stems: up to 50cm, stiff; rough surface, 12 or more ridges; leafless
Nodes: ~ 5cm apart; sheaths widening upward; light brown at base, dark brown at top, topped by 3-4 sharp-tipped black teeth
Branches: horizontal or up-swept, solid, rough; 3-4 angled
Cone: 2-3cm long, on long stem, blunt-tipped
Habitat: grows in wide variety of habitats, from dry sand banks to moist semi-shaded woodlands
Uses: Native Americans used the plant tea for kidney and bladder ailments, and stomach disorders; also poulticed on wounds. Also once used for tubercular lung lesions and inflammation. The root was given to teething babies. High silica content.
Warning: Toxic to livestock; questionable for humans – disturbs thiamine metabolism.
Nodes: ~ 5cm apart; sheaths widening upward; light brown at base, dark brown at top, topped by 3-4 sharp-tipped black teeth
Branches: horizontal or up-swept, solid, rough; 3-4 angled
Cone: 2-3cm long, on long stem, blunt-tipped
Habitat: grows in wide variety of habitats, from dry sand banks to moist semi-shaded woodlands
Uses: Native Americans used the plant tea for kidney and bladder ailments, and stomach disorders; also poulticed on wounds. Also once used for tubercular lung lesions and inflammation. The root was given to teething babies. High silica content.
Warning: Toxic to livestock; questionable for humans – disturbs thiamine metabolism.
Scouring Rush - Equisetum hyemale L.
Sheri Hagwood @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Stems: evergreen, hollow-stemmed, up to 1m; diameter to 12mm; rough surface, ~ 30 ridges; fertile and sterile stems look alike
Nodes: to 10cm apart; sheaths green when young, then aging to gray with a dark girdle at the top, just below the teeth, and another near the base; teeth dark-centered with white margins but quickly wither and fall off along a distinct articulation line
Cavity: central cavity large; vallecular canals small
Cone: short stemmed, short tipped
Habitat: moist soils of roadsides, woodlands, lakeshores
Uses: Same as Field Horsetail, E. arvense. Rough stems are used like sandpaper to give a very fine, satiny finish to wood; early settlers used the stems to scour pots and pans. It can be homeopathically used for cystitis, bladder ailments, urinary incontinence, and urethritis.
Warning: Toxic to livestock; questionable for humans – disturbs thiamine metabolism.
Nodes: to 10cm apart; sheaths green when young, then aging to gray with a dark girdle at the top, just below the teeth, and another near the base; teeth dark-centered with white margins but quickly wither and fall off along a distinct articulation line
Cavity: central cavity large; vallecular canals small
Cone: short stemmed, short tipped
Habitat: moist soils of roadsides, woodlands, lakeshores
Uses: Same as Field Horsetail, E. arvense. Rough stems are used like sandpaper to give a very fine, satiny finish to wood; early settlers used the stems to scour pots and pans. It can be homeopathically used for cystitis, bladder ailments, urinary incontinence, and urethritis.
Warning: Toxic to livestock; questionable for humans – disturbs thiamine metabolism.
Butternut - Juglans cinerea L.
Edward W. Chester @ University of Tennessee Herbarium
Tree: up to 20m tall; diameter to 50cm
Flowers and Fruits: monoecious catkins, both sexes unbranched; an elongate corrugated nut, 4.0-8.0cm, with thick, sticky, corky rind which disintegrates when ripe
Leaves: compound-alternate, 30-60cm long; 11-17 leaflets, toothed, densely hairy beneath, crushed leaves have a spicy scent, end leaflets usually present; lateral leaflets progressively smaller toward base
Buds and Twigs: buds white-wooly; upper edge of the leaf scar not notched, with a hairy fringe; twigs with dark-brown chambered pith
Bark: dark; wide ridges, smooth-topped, separated by narrow fissures
Habitat: rich moist soil, river terraces and valleys, also dry slopes
Uses: Inner-bark tea or extract was a popular early American laxative; thought to be effective in small doses, without causing cramps. Native Americans used the bark tea for rheumatism, headaches, toothaches; strong warm tea for wounds to stop bleeding and promote healing. Oil from nuts used for tapeworms and fungal infections. The plant contains juglone, which is antiseptic and herbicidal; some antitumor activity has also been reported.
Flowers and Fruits: monoecious catkins, both sexes unbranched; an elongate corrugated nut, 4.0-8.0cm, with thick, sticky, corky rind which disintegrates when ripe
Leaves: compound-alternate, 30-60cm long; 11-17 leaflets, toothed, densely hairy beneath, crushed leaves have a spicy scent, end leaflets usually present; lateral leaflets progressively smaller toward base
Buds and Twigs: buds white-wooly; upper edge of the leaf scar not notched, with a hairy fringe; twigs with dark-brown chambered pith
Bark: dark; wide ridges, smooth-topped, separated by narrow fissures
Habitat: rich moist soil, river terraces and valleys, also dry slopes
Uses: Inner-bark tea or extract was a popular early American laxative; thought to be effective in small doses, without causing cramps. Native Americans used the bark tea for rheumatism, headaches, toothaches; strong warm tea for wounds to stop bleeding and promote healing. Oil from nuts used for tapeworms and fungal infections. The plant contains juglone, which is antiseptic and herbicidal; some antitumor activity has also been reported.
Sheep Laurel - Kalmia angustifolia L.
R.A. Howard @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
_ Shrub: up to 1m tall
Flowers and Fruits: flowers 5-parted, 6-12mm wide, reddish-purple to pink; fruits hard capsules; flowers and fruits in lateral clusters arising from axils of previous year’s leaves
Leaves: opposite or in whorls of 3; 3-5cm long, leathery, pale green beneath
Twigs: round, hairless
Habitat: moist open areas, often in bogs, edges of shallow ponds
Uses: Native Americans used minute amounts of flower, leaf, and twig tea for bowel ailments. Tiny, amounts of leaf tea used for colds, backaches, stomach ailments; externally, for swelling, pain, and sprains.
Warning: Highly toxic. Do not ingest.
Flowers and Fruits: flowers 5-parted, 6-12mm wide, reddish-purple to pink; fruits hard capsules; flowers and fruits in lateral clusters arising from axils of previous year’s leaves
Leaves: opposite or in whorls of 3; 3-5cm long, leathery, pale green beneath
Twigs: round, hairless
Habitat: moist open areas, often in bogs, edges of shallow ponds
Uses: Native Americans used minute amounts of flower, leaf, and twig tea for bowel ailments. Tiny, amounts of leaf tea used for colds, backaches, stomach ailments; externally, for swelling, pain, and sprains.
Warning: Highly toxic. Do not ingest.
Tamarack - Larix laricina (DuRoi) K. Koch
Robert H. Mohlenbrock @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Tree: coniferous, up to 20m tall; diameter up to 60cm
Flowers and Fruits: small yellowish male and reddish-brown female cones, in clusters on dwarf branches of previous year’s growth
Leaves: deciduous; flat needles, 2-5cm long, 3-5mm wide, light to bluish green; either in clusters of 15-60 on short lateral branches from previous year’s growth or scattered along shoots of current year’s growth
Twigs: light brown to orange-brown, slender, short
Bark: gray to reddish brown to brown, scaly, smooth as a young tree and rough when aged
Habitat: bogs, swamps; but grows best on moist well-drained soils
Uses: The bark tea was traditionally used as a laxative, tonic, diuretic for jaundice, rheumatism, and skin ailments. Gargled for sore throats. Poulticed on sores, swellings, and burns. Leaf tea was used for piles, diarrhea, dysentery, and dropsy; poultice for burns and headaches. Gum chewed for indigestion.
Warning: Sawdust can cause dermatitis.
Flowers and Fruits: small yellowish male and reddish-brown female cones, in clusters on dwarf branches of previous year’s growth
Leaves: deciduous; flat needles, 2-5cm long, 3-5mm wide, light to bluish green; either in clusters of 15-60 on short lateral branches from previous year’s growth or scattered along shoots of current year’s growth
Twigs: light brown to orange-brown, slender, short
Bark: gray to reddish brown to brown, scaly, smooth as a young tree and rough when aged
Habitat: bogs, swamps; but grows best on moist well-drained soils
Uses: The bark tea was traditionally used as a laxative, tonic, diuretic for jaundice, rheumatism, and skin ailments. Gargled for sore throats. Poulticed on sores, swellings, and burns. Leaf tea was used for piles, diarrhea, dysentery, and dropsy; poultice for burns and headaches. Gum chewed for indigestion.
Warning: Sawdust can cause dermatitis.
Labrador Tea - Ledum groenlandicum Oeder.
R.A. Howard @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Shrub: up to 100cm
Flowers and Fruits: small (~1cm), 5-parted, white, in terminal clusters
Leaves: alternate-simple; narrow, 20-50mm long, inrolled edges, toothless, fragrant when crushed; dark green above, densely white or rusty-hairy beneath
Twigs: densely hairy
Habitat: cold bogs shores, peat soils, sometimes on rocky alpine slopes
Uses: Native Americans used the leaf tea for asthma, colds, stomachaches, kidney ailments, scurvy, fevers, and rheumatism; externally as a wash for burns, ulcers, stings, chafing, and poison ivy rash. Folk remedy for coughs, lung ailments, dysentery, indigestion; used externally for leprosy, itching and to kill lice.
Flowers and Fruits: small (~1cm), 5-parted, white, in terminal clusters
Leaves: alternate-simple; narrow, 20-50mm long, inrolled edges, toothless, fragrant when crushed; dark green above, densely white or rusty-hairy beneath
Twigs: densely hairy
Habitat: cold bogs shores, peat soils, sometimes on rocky alpine slopes
Uses: Native Americans used the leaf tea for asthma, colds, stomachaches, kidney ailments, scurvy, fevers, and rheumatism; externally as a wash for burns, ulcers, stings, chafing, and poison ivy rash. Folk remedy for coughs, lung ailments, dysentery, indigestion; used externally for leprosy, itching and to kill lice.
Sweetgale - Myrica gale L.
Mary Clay Stensvold @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Shrub: deciduous, up to 1.5m tall
Flowers and Fruits: yellowish green, 10-12mm, in catkins; flowering before leaves open
Leaves: alternate, 25-75mm long, dark green above, light green below, oblong to lance-shaped, tapering at the base, usually toothed at the tip; strongly aromatic, resin dots on undersides
Buds and Twigs: small, dark brown pointed buds; slender twigs, hairless, with resin dots
Bark: reddish brown with pale-brown lenticels
Habitat: bogs, swamps, edges of lakes and ponds
Uses: Candle wax produced from fruits. Root bark was used in tea as an astringent and emetic for chronic gastritis, diarrhea, dysentery, leucorrhea, “catarrhal states of the alimentary tracts”, jaundice, scrofula, and hard to heal ulcers. Leaf tea was used for fevers; externally as a wash for itching. Powered root bark was an ingredient in “composition powder”, once a widely used home remedy for colds and chills. Branch tea once used as a diuretic for gonorrhea.
Warning: Essential oil reportedly toxic; inhibits growth of various bacteria.
Flowers and Fruits: yellowish green, 10-12mm, in catkins; flowering before leaves open
Leaves: alternate, 25-75mm long, dark green above, light green below, oblong to lance-shaped, tapering at the base, usually toothed at the tip; strongly aromatic, resin dots on undersides
Buds and Twigs: small, dark brown pointed buds; slender twigs, hairless, with resin dots
Bark: reddish brown with pale-brown lenticels
Habitat: bogs, swamps, edges of lakes and ponds
Uses: Candle wax produced from fruits. Root bark was used in tea as an astringent and emetic for chronic gastritis, diarrhea, dysentery, leucorrhea, “catarrhal states of the alimentary tracts”, jaundice, scrofula, and hard to heal ulcers. Leaf tea was used for fevers; externally as a wash for itching. Powered root bark was an ingredient in “composition powder”, once a widely used home remedy for colds and chills. Branch tea once used as a diuretic for gonorrhea.
Warning: Essential oil reportedly toxic; inhibits growth of various bacteria.
Virginia Creeper - Parthenocissus quinquefolia Michx.
James H. Miller @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
_ Woody Vine: climbing or sprawling, up to 15m tall
Flowers and Fruits: 5-parted, pale-green, small, in long-stemmed clusters; fruit in grape-like clusters, blue to black berries when ripe
Leaves: alternate-compound; 5 palmate leaflets, leaflets 6-12cm, pointed, sharply toothed, shiny above, dark green in summer to red in fall
Buds and Twigs: light brown, slender, white pith, red lenticels; tendrils opposite the leaves, tendrils end in small adhesive disks
Bark: tight
Habitat: swamps, edge of ponds and lakes, roadsides, streambanks
Uses: Native Americans used the plant tea for jaundice; root tea for gonorrhea and diarrhea. Leaf tea used to wash swellings and poison-sumac rash; mixed with vinegar for wounds and lockjaw; astringent and diuretic.
Warning: Berries reportedly toxic. Leaves toxic; touching autumn foliage may cause dermatitis.
Flowers and Fruits: 5-parted, pale-green, small, in long-stemmed clusters; fruit in grape-like clusters, blue to black berries when ripe
Leaves: alternate-compound; 5 palmate leaflets, leaflets 6-12cm, pointed, sharply toothed, shiny above, dark green in summer to red in fall
Buds and Twigs: light brown, slender, white pith, red lenticels; tendrils opposite the leaves, tendrils end in small adhesive disks
Bark: tight
Habitat: swamps, edge of ponds and lakes, roadsides, streambanks
Uses: Native Americans used the plant tea for jaundice; root tea for gonorrhea and diarrhea. Leaf tea used to wash swellings and poison-sumac rash; mixed with vinegar for wounds and lockjaw; astringent and diuretic.
Warning: Berries reportedly toxic. Leaves toxic; touching autumn foliage may cause dermatitis.
Ninebark - Physocarpus opulifolius (L.) Maxim.
Ted Bodner @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Shrub: up to 3m tall
Flowers and Fruits: 5-parted, white to pale pink to pink, 7-10mm; fruits red in clusters of 3-5, 5-12mm wide
Leaves: alternate, simple, ovate-orbicular, 3-5 palmate lobes, toothed margin; 25-75mm long, green to burgundy (in fall)
Buds and Twigs: yellow to orange to brown, slender
Bark: darker older bark splits and exfoliates in long strips
Habitat: streambanks, moist soil along shores
Uses: Native Americans used the inner-bark tea for “female maladies”, gonorrhea, tuberculosis; to enhance fertility; emetic, laxative.
Warning: Potentially toxic.
Flowers and Fruits: 5-parted, white to pale pink to pink, 7-10mm; fruits red in clusters of 3-5, 5-12mm wide
Leaves: alternate, simple, ovate-orbicular, 3-5 palmate lobes, toothed margin; 25-75mm long, green to burgundy (in fall)
Buds and Twigs: yellow to orange to brown, slender
Bark: darker older bark splits and exfoliates in long strips
Habitat: streambanks, moist soil along shores
Uses: Native Americans used the inner-bark tea for “female maladies”, gonorrhea, tuberculosis; to enhance fertility; emetic, laxative.
Warning: Potentially toxic.
Black Spruce - Picea mariana (Mill.) Britton, Sterns, and Poggenb.
Matthew L. Wagner @ UW-Stevens Point Freckmann Herbarium
Tree: evergreen, to 10m, occasionally larger; narrow spire-like crown, branches tend to droop
Cones: dark purple before maturity, point downward, dull gray-brown when ripe; 1.5-3.5cm; persist many years; scales with thin brittle wings
Needles: squarish, stiff, ends often blunt; arise on small pegs from appressed branchlets; 6-18mm; dark grayish-green
Buds and Twigs: twigs covered with grayish crooked hairs; buds gray-brown buds with loose scales
Bark: gray to brown, close scales
Habitat: sphagnum bogs, acidic swamps
Uses: Native Americans poulticed the inner bark on inflammations. The inner-bark tea is a folk medicine for kidney stones, stomach problems, and rheumatism. Resin can be poulticed on sores to promote healing. Needles was used to make a beer that was drunk for scurvy.
Warning: Sawdust, resin, and even the needles may produce dermatitis.
Cones: dark purple before maturity, point downward, dull gray-brown when ripe; 1.5-3.5cm; persist many years; scales with thin brittle wings
Needles: squarish, stiff, ends often blunt; arise on small pegs from appressed branchlets; 6-18mm; dark grayish-green
Buds and Twigs: twigs covered with grayish crooked hairs; buds gray-brown buds with loose scales
Bark: gray to brown, close scales
Habitat: sphagnum bogs, acidic swamps
Uses: Native Americans poulticed the inner bark on inflammations. The inner-bark tea is a folk medicine for kidney stones, stomach problems, and rheumatism. Resin can be poulticed on sores to promote healing. Needles was used to make a beer that was drunk for scurvy.
Warning: Sawdust, resin, and even the needles may produce dermatitis.
Sycamore - Platanus occidentalis L.
Robin R. Buckallew @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Tree: up to 50m tall; diameter to 3m
Flowers and Fruits: monoecious, sometimes found on different branches of the same tree; flowers in tiny spherical heads; fruits in a spherical head (2.5-3.0cm) of seeds, each 7-8 mm, with many long hairs at the base
Leaves: alternate-simple, 3-5 lobes with fan-shaped veins, toothed, 15-25cm; leaf stalk hollow; leaf-like stipule at base of stalk
Buds and Twigs: 1 bud scale; leaf scars with ring extending around twig
Bark: pale gray to white-green bark, exfoliates in patches producing a mottled bark
Habitat: moist, wet, alluvial soil
Uses: Native Americans used the inner-bark tea for dysentery, colds, lung ailments, measles, coughs; also emetic (inducing vomiting), laxative. Bark once suggested for rheumatism and scurvy; efficacy unconfirmed.
Flowers and Fruits: monoecious, sometimes found on different branches of the same tree; flowers in tiny spherical heads; fruits in a spherical head (2.5-3.0cm) of seeds, each 7-8 mm, with many long hairs at the base
Leaves: alternate-simple, 3-5 lobes with fan-shaped veins, toothed, 15-25cm; leaf stalk hollow; leaf-like stipule at base of stalk
Buds and Twigs: 1 bud scale; leaf scars with ring extending around twig
Bark: pale gray to white-green bark, exfoliates in patches producing a mottled bark
Habitat: moist, wet, alluvial soil
Uses: Native Americans used the inner-bark tea for dysentery, colds, lung ailments, measles, coughs; also emetic (inducing vomiting), laxative. Bark once suggested for rheumatism and scurvy; efficacy unconfirmed.
Balsam Poplar - Populus balsamifera L.
Lynden Gerdes @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
_
Tree: up to 20m tall; diameter to 1m
Flowers and Fruits: flowers in long (10-15cm) drooping catkins, appearing before leaves; without calyx or corolla; fruit a capsule containing many small seeds with long white hairs
Leaves: alternate-simple, 7-12cm; rounded, sharp-pointed tips; base rounded to somewhat heart-shaped; lowest lateral veins not enlarged and do not turn parallel the edge of the leaf; leaves finely and evenly toothed or almost toothless, end of tooth rounded; hairy along the main veins on leaves’ underside; leaves dark green above, whitish waxy, often streaked with resin beneath; leaf stalk round or squarish; 2-3 glands may be present at the top of the leaf stalk
Buds and Twigs: buds 17-20mm, smooth, gummy with spicy-resinous aroma; twigs round in cross-section, dark brown, hairy or smooth
Bark: light gray; becoming dark and furrowed in older trees
Habitat: wet woods, river banks, shores
Uses: Buds are boiled to separate resin and then dissolved in alcohol to make a preservative once used in ointments. The balm is a folk remedy for sores; tincture for toothaches, rheumatism, diarrhea, wounds; tea used as a wash for inflammation, frostbite, sprains, and muscle strain. Internally, bud tea used for cough, lung ailments (expectorant); inner-bark tea used for scurvy, also as an eye wash; root tea used as a wash for headaches. Probably contains salicin, which explains its aspirin-like qualities.
Flowers and Fruits: flowers in long (10-15cm) drooping catkins, appearing before leaves; without calyx or corolla; fruit a capsule containing many small seeds with long white hairs
Leaves: alternate-simple, 7-12cm; rounded, sharp-pointed tips; base rounded to somewhat heart-shaped; lowest lateral veins not enlarged and do not turn parallel the edge of the leaf; leaves finely and evenly toothed or almost toothless, end of tooth rounded; hairy along the main veins on leaves’ underside; leaves dark green above, whitish waxy, often streaked with resin beneath; leaf stalk round or squarish; 2-3 glands may be present at the top of the leaf stalk
Buds and Twigs: buds 17-20mm, smooth, gummy with spicy-resinous aroma; twigs round in cross-section, dark brown, hairy or smooth
Bark: light gray; becoming dark and furrowed in older trees
Habitat: wet woods, river banks, shores
Uses: Buds are boiled to separate resin and then dissolved in alcohol to make a preservative once used in ointments. The balm is a folk remedy for sores; tincture for toothaches, rheumatism, diarrhea, wounds; tea used as a wash for inflammation, frostbite, sprains, and muscle strain. Internally, bud tea used for cough, lung ailments (expectorant); inner-bark tea used for scurvy, also as an eye wash; root tea used as a wash for headaches. Probably contains salicin, which explains its aspirin-like qualities.
Eastern Cottonwood - Populus deltoides Bartram ex Marsh.
Al Schneider @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
_ Tree: to 20m tall; diameter to 1m; tall with upper branches spreading forming a broad crown
Flowers and Fruits: flowers in long (15-25cm) drooping catkins, appearing before leaves; without calyx or corolla; fruit a capsule containing many small seeds with long white hairs
Leaves: alternate-simple, 8-14cm; triangular, broad-based, narrowing to tip; base usually straight; lowest lateral veins not enlarged and do not turn parallel the edge of the leaf; leaves coarsely and evenly toothed, 15-25 teeth per side, teeth 1.5-2.0mm deep, summit of tooth sharp; leaf hairless; edge of leaf with translucent green border; leaf stalk strongly flattened from side to side, 2-3 glands at the top of the leaf stalk
Buds and Twigs: ~20mm, smooth, gummy but not fragrant buds; twigs round to 4-sided in cross-section, gray to reddish-brown, hairless
Bark: light gray, smooth; becoming dark and deeply furrowed in older trees
Habitat: rich soils, floodplains, along stream banks
Uses: The inner-bark tea was used for scurvy and as a female tonic. The tree was held sacred by Native Americans of the prairies. The bark contains salicin.
Flowers and Fruits: flowers in long (15-25cm) drooping catkins, appearing before leaves; without calyx or corolla; fruit a capsule containing many small seeds with long white hairs
Leaves: alternate-simple, 8-14cm; triangular, broad-based, narrowing to tip; base usually straight; lowest lateral veins not enlarged and do not turn parallel the edge of the leaf; leaves coarsely and evenly toothed, 15-25 teeth per side, teeth 1.5-2.0mm deep, summit of tooth sharp; leaf hairless; edge of leaf with translucent green border; leaf stalk strongly flattened from side to side, 2-3 glands at the top of the leaf stalk
Buds and Twigs: ~20mm, smooth, gummy but not fragrant buds; twigs round to 4-sided in cross-section, gray to reddish-brown, hairless
Bark: light gray, smooth; becoming dark and deeply furrowed in older trees
Habitat: rich soils, floodplains, along stream banks
Uses: The inner-bark tea was used for scurvy and as a female tonic. The tree was held sacred by Native Americans of the prairies. The bark contains salicin.
Quaking Aspen - Populus tremuloides Michx.
Jeff McMillian @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
_
Tree: up to 15m tall; diameter to 0.5m; upper branches form rounded crown
Flowers and Fruits: flowers in long (10cm) drooping catkins, appearing before leaves; without calyx or corolla; fruit a capsule containing many small seeds with long white hairs
Leaves: alternate-simple, rounded, base rounded to slightly heart-shape, pointed tip; lowest lateral veins large and parallel the edge of the leaf; leaves with small even teeth or almost toothless, 18-30 teeth per side, 1mm deep, summit rounded; leaf hairless; leaf edge lacks translucent green border; leaf stalk strongly flattened from side to side
Buds and Twigs: 7-10mm, smooth, not gummy and fragrant buds; edge of scales thin colorless; twigs round in cross-section, dark brown, hairless
Bark: light gray to gray-green; becoming dark and furrowed in older trees
Habitat: moist upland soils, streamsides, old fields
Uses: Native Americans used the root-bark tea for excessive menstrual bleeding; poultice root for cuts, wounds. Inner-bark tea was used for stomach pain, veneral disease, urinary ailments, worms, colds, fevers, and as an appetite stimulant. Leaf buds used in a salve for colds, coughs, and irritated nostrils. Bark tincture (contains salicin) is a folk remedy used for fevers, rheumatism, arthritis, colds, worms, urinary infections, and diarrhea.
Flowers and Fruits: flowers in long (10cm) drooping catkins, appearing before leaves; without calyx or corolla; fruit a capsule containing many small seeds with long white hairs
Leaves: alternate-simple, rounded, base rounded to slightly heart-shape, pointed tip; lowest lateral veins large and parallel the edge of the leaf; leaves with small even teeth or almost toothless, 18-30 teeth per side, 1mm deep, summit rounded; leaf hairless; leaf edge lacks translucent green border; leaf stalk strongly flattened from side to side
Buds and Twigs: 7-10mm, smooth, not gummy and fragrant buds; edge of scales thin colorless; twigs round in cross-section, dark brown, hairless
Bark: light gray to gray-green; becoming dark and furrowed in older trees
Habitat: moist upland soils, streamsides, old fields
Uses: Native Americans used the root-bark tea for excessive menstrual bleeding; poultice root for cuts, wounds. Inner-bark tea was used for stomach pain, veneral disease, urinary ailments, worms, colds, fevers, and as an appetite stimulant. Leaf buds used in a salve for colds, coughs, and irritated nostrils. Bark tincture (contains salicin) is a folk remedy used for fevers, rheumatism, arthritis, colds, worms, urinary infections, and diarrhea.
Black Cherry - Prunus serotina Ehrh.
Jeff McMillian @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
_ Tree: up to 25m height; diameter to 1m
Flowers and Fruit: flowers 5-parted with 1 pistil, ~20 stamens; petals ~4mm; white; flowers in a loose raceme, 8-15cm, at the end of the current year’s twig; fruit in loose elongate grape-like clusters, dark-purple to black, 1cm, with a single stone; sepals relatively large compared to fruit
Leaves: alternate-simple, 6-12cm, blunt-toothed, lance-shaped with a sharp tip; underside of midrib with whitish to reddish-brown hairs; leaf stalks often with paired glands near the base of the leaf
Buds and Twigs: bud scales pointed; broken twigs with a distinctive odor (hydrocyanic acid)
Bark: red-brown with white transverse lenticels; older bark dark, cracking into small irregular plates exposing reddish-brown beneath
Habitat: old forests, young woods, thickets, roadsides
Uses: Aromatic inner bark traditionally used in tea or syrup for coughs, fevers, colds, sore throats, diarrhea, lung ailments, bronchitis, pneumonia, inflammatory fever diseases, and dyspepsia. Useful for general debility with persistent cough, poor circulation, lack of appetite; mild sedative, expectorant. Fruits used as “poor man’s” cherry substitute.
Warning: Bark, leaves, and seeds contain a cyanide-like glycoside, prunasin, which converts through digestion to the highly toxic hydrocyanic acid. Toxins are most abundant in bark harvested in fall.
Flowers and Fruit: flowers 5-parted with 1 pistil, ~20 stamens; petals ~4mm; white; flowers in a loose raceme, 8-15cm, at the end of the current year’s twig; fruit in loose elongate grape-like clusters, dark-purple to black, 1cm, with a single stone; sepals relatively large compared to fruit
Leaves: alternate-simple, 6-12cm, blunt-toothed, lance-shaped with a sharp tip; underside of midrib with whitish to reddish-brown hairs; leaf stalks often with paired glands near the base of the leaf
Buds and Twigs: bud scales pointed; broken twigs with a distinctive odor (hydrocyanic acid)
Bark: red-brown with white transverse lenticels; older bark dark, cracking into small irregular plates exposing reddish-brown beneath
Habitat: old forests, young woods, thickets, roadsides
Uses: Aromatic inner bark traditionally used in tea or syrup for coughs, fevers, colds, sore throats, diarrhea, lung ailments, bronchitis, pneumonia, inflammatory fever diseases, and dyspepsia. Useful for general debility with persistent cough, poor circulation, lack of appetite; mild sedative, expectorant. Fruits used as “poor man’s” cherry substitute.
Warning: Bark, leaves, and seeds contain a cyanide-like glycoside, prunasin, which converts through digestion to the highly toxic hydrocyanic acid. Toxins are most abundant in bark harvested in fall.
Chokecherry - Prunus virginiana L.
Sheri Hagwood @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
_ Shrub or tree: up to 6m height; diameter to 15cm
Flowers and Fruits: flowers 5-parted with 1 pistil, ~20 stamens; petals ~4mm; white; flowers in a compact raceme, 6-15cm, at the end of the current year’s twig; fruit in elongate grape-like clusters, dark-red to black, 1cm, with a single stone; as tringent but edible; sepals relatively small compared to fruit
Leaves: alternate-simple, 5-12cm, sharp-toothed, lance-shaped with a sharp tip; leaf stalks often with paired glands near the base of the leaf; hairless midrib
Buds and Twigs: bud scales rounded; broken twigs with a distinctive odor (hydrocyanic acid)
Bark: smooth gray-brown
Habitat: wide variety from hills and dunes to edges of swamps, young woods, thickets, roadsides
Uses: Non-aromatic bark traditionally used in tea or syrup for coughs, fevers, colds, sore throats, diarrhea, lung ailments, bronchitis, pneumonia, inflammatory fever diseases, and dyspepsia. Useful for general debility with persistent cough, poor circulation, lack of appetite; mild sedative, expectorant. Externally, used for wounds. Dried powdered berries once used to stimulate appetite, treat diarrhea, and bloody discharge of bowels.
Warning: Seed, bark, and leaves may cause cyanide poisoning.
Flowers and Fruits: flowers 5-parted with 1 pistil, ~20 stamens; petals ~4mm; white; flowers in a compact raceme, 6-15cm, at the end of the current year’s twig; fruit in elongate grape-like clusters, dark-red to black, 1cm, with a single stone; as tringent but edible; sepals relatively small compared to fruit
Leaves: alternate-simple, 5-12cm, sharp-toothed, lance-shaped with a sharp tip; leaf stalks often with paired glands near the base of the leaf; hairless midrib
Buds and Twigs: bud scales rounded; broken twigs with a distinctive odor (hydrocyanic acid)
Bark: smooth gray-brown
Habitat: wide variety from hills and dunes to edges of swamps, young woods, thickets, roadsides
Uses: Non-aromatic bark traditionally used in tea or syrup for coughs, fevers, colds, sore throats, diarrhea, lung ailments, bronchitis, pneumonia, inflammatory fever diseases, and dyspepsia. Useful for general debility with persistent cough, poor circulation, lack of appetite; mild sedative, expectorant. Externally, used for wounds. Dried powdered berries once used to stimulate appetite, treat diarrhea, and bloody discharge of bowels.
Warning: Seed, bark, and leaves may cause cyanide poisoning.
Common Buckthorn - Rhamnus cathartica L.
Christopher Noll @ UW-Stevens Point Freckmann Herbarium
Shrub or small tree: up to 6m tall
Flowers and Fruits: male and female flowers in separate plants; flowers 4-parted, greenish white, on stalks in clusters in the axils of leaves; fruits black dull berries 5-6mm in diameter, in dense clusters, foul taste
Leaves: opposite, simple, toothed; 3-6cm long, no more than twice as long as wide; lateral veins strongly upturned near margins
Buds and Twigs: twigs dark, twig tips usually spiny
Bark: inner bark yellow; outer bark brownish-yellow with horizontal streaks, peels in thin strips
Habitat: hedgerows, old fields, secondary forests
Uses: Native Americans used the bark tea to induce vomiting; also a strong laxative. Still used for constipation with nervous or muscular atony of intestines.
Warning: Fruits and bark will cause diarrhea and vomiting.
Flowers and Fruits: male and female flowers in separate plants; flowers 4-parted, greenish white, on stalks in clusters in the axils of leaves; fruits black dull berries 5-6mm in diameter, in dense clusters, foul taste
Leaves: opposite, simple, toothed; 3-6cm long, no more than twice as long as wide; lateral veins strongly upturned near margins
Buds and Twigs: twigs dark, twig tips usually spiny
Bark: inner bark yellow; outer bark brownish-yellow with horizontal streaks, peels in thin strips
Habitat: hedgerows, old fields, secondary forests
Uses: Native Americans used the bark tea to induce vomiting; also a strong laxative. Still used for constipation with nervous or muscular atony of intestines.
Warning: Fruits and bark will cause diarrhea and vomiting.
American Black Currant - Ribes americanum (P.) Mill.
Nelson DeBarros @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Shrubs: thornless; to 1.5m
Flowers and Fruits: individual flower with elongate tube enclosing the ovary; 5-parted; sepals form petal-like lobes at the end of the tube; true petals small; tube and sepals yellow-white; flowers in a raceme; black berries covered with resin-dots
Leaves: alternate-simple, 1.5-10.0cm; 3-5 deeply cleft lobes, fan-veined; leaves with numerous tiny yellow resin-dots (use lens)
Buds and Twigs: leaf scar with ridge descending from the center of the scar, broken twigs odorless
Habitat: floodplains, woods openings
Uses: Native Americans used the root-bark tea to expel worms and for kidney ailments; poulticed root-bark for swelling.
Flowers and Fruits: individual flower with elongate tube enclosing the ovary; 5-parted; sepals form petal-like lobes at the end of the tube; true petals small; tube and sepals yellow-white; flowers in a raceme; black berries covered with resin-dots
Leaves: alternate-simple, 1.5-10.0cm; 3-5 deeply cleft lobes, fan-veined; leaves with numerous tiny yellow resin-dots (use lens)
Buds and Twigs: leaf scar with ridge descending from the center of the scar, broken twigs odorless
Habitat: floodplains, woods openings
Uses: Native Americans used the root-bark tea to expel worms and for kidney ailments; poulticed root-bark for swelling.
Common Blackberry - Rubus allegheniensis Porter
Merel R. Black @ UW-Stevens Point Freckmann Herbarium
_ Shrub: erect arching canes lie flat on the ground; up to 3m long
Flowers and Fruits: flowers with 5 white petals, 5 sepals; sweet, black berries when ripe; stalk with glandular hairs
Leaves: alternate, fan-compound; 3-7 leaflets, undersides green
Buds and Twigs: leaf bases produce biennial canes which flower and fruit the second year; ridged stems, with short, sometimes hooked thorns (usually enlarged at base), thorns also present on leaf stalks and even on veins on undersides of leaves
Habitat: wide range of disturbed habitats
Uses: Astringent root tea traditionally used for diarrhea, dysentery, stomach pain, gonorrhea, back pain, “female tonic”,and blood tonic for boils. Leaf tea can be used as a wash for sores, ulcers, and boils.
Flowers and Fruits: flowers with 5 white petals, 5 sepals; sweet, black berries when ripe; stalk with glandular hairs
Leaves: alternate, fan-compound; 3-7 leaflets, undersides green
Buds and Twigs: leaf bases produce biennial canes which flower and fruit the second year; ridged stems, with short, sometimes hooked thorns (usually enlarged at base), thorns also present on leaf stalks and even on veins on undersides of leaves
Habitat: wide range of disturbed habitats
Uses: Astringent root tea traditionally used for diarrhea, dysentery, stomach pain, gonorrhea, back pain, “female tonic”,and blood tonic for boils. Leaf tea can be used as a wash for sores, ulcers, and boils.
Red Raspberry - Rubus idaeus L.
Phyllis Weyand @ Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Shrub: erect arching canes; up to 2m tall
Flowers and Fruits: flowers with 5 white petals, 5 sepals; red, sweet berries when ripe
Leaves: alternate, fan-compound; 3-7 leaflets, white-gray hairy undersides
Buds and Twigs: bases produce biennial canes which flower and fruit the second year; stems round, covered with whitish powder and flexible, slender, bristles (2-4mm long) which are usually not enlarged at base
Habitat: wide range, wet and moist woods, thickets, roadsides
Uses: Astringent leaf tea is a folk remedy for diarrhea, dysentery, and used to strengthen pregnant women, aid in childbirth. Animal studies suggest efficacy in childbirth, painful menstrual cramps. Active compound relaxes and stimulates the uterus. Fruit syrup (juice boiled in sugar) gargled for inflamed tonsils.
Flowers and Fruits: flowers with 5 white petals, 5 sepals; red, sweet berries when ripe
Leaves: alternate, fan-compound; 3-7 leaflets, white-gray hairy undersides
Buds and Twigs: bases produce biennial canes which flower and fruit the second year; stems round, covered with whitish powder and flexible, slender, bristles (2-4mm long) which are usually not enlarged at base
Habitat: wide range, wet and moist woods, thickets, roadsides
Uses: Astringent leaf tea is a folk remedy for diarrhea, dysentery, and used to strengthen pregnant women, aid in childbirth. Animal studies suggest efficacy in childbirth, painful menstrual cramps. Active compound relaxes and stimulates the uterus. Fruit syrup (juice boiled in sugar) gargled for inflamed tonsils.
Mountain Ash - Sorbus americana Marsh.
Albert F.W. Vick @ Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
_
Shrub: up to 10m tall
Flowers and Fruits: small, white, in clusters, 7.5-13cm across; bright red to orange-red berries
Leaves: alternate, compound leaves, 15-30cm long; 11-17 lance-shaped leaflets, 5-7.5cm long, length more than 3x the width; dark green above, pale green below
Buds and Twigs: twigs gray to reddish brown, pith solid, narrow leaf scars; buds dark purplish red, 8-12mm long, sticky
Bark: smooth with lenticels when young, grayish brown, with cracks, splits and scaly patches with age
Habitat: swamps, roadsides
Uses: Native Americans used the tea from ripe fruit for scurvy, worms; inner bark or buds tea for colds, debility, boils, diarrhea, and tonsillitis; also as a “blood purifier”, appetite stimulant; astringent, tonic. Fruits of the European Mountain Ash, S. aucuparia, have been used similarly for piles, urinary difficulty, indigestion, gall bladder ailments, angina, and other coronary problems.
Flowers and Fruits: small, white, in clusters, 7.5-13cm across; bright red to orange-red berries
Leaves: alternate, compound leaves, 15-30cm long; 11-17 lance-shaped leaflets, 5-7.5cm long, length more than 3x the width; dark green above, pale green below
Buds and Twigs: twigs gray to reddish brown, pith solid, narrow leaf scars; buds dark purplish red, 8-12mm long, sticky
Bark: smooth with lenticels when young, grayish brown, with cracks, splits and scaly patches with age
Habitat: swamps, roadsides
Uses: Native Americans used the tea from ripe fruit for scurvy, worms; inner bark or buds tea for colds, debility, boils, diarrhea, and tonsillitis; also as a “blood purifier”, appetite stimulant; astringent, tonic. Fruits of the European Mountain Ash, S. aucuparia, have been used similarly for piles, urinary difficulty, indigestion, gall bladder ailments, angina, and other coronary problems.
Steeplebush - Spiraea tomentosa L.
Nelson DeBarros @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
_
Shrub: to 1.2m
Flowers and Fruits: flowers small (3-4mm), 5-parted, pinkish; in long erect clusters; fruit small, dry, hairy
Leaves: alternate-simple, 3-5cm; egg-shaped to oblong, sawtoothed, undersides covered with dense whitish or rusty wooly hairs
Buds and Twigs: buds long-pointed, silky; twigs wooly
Bark: papery
Habitat: moist meadows, swamps
Uses: Native Americans used the leaf tea for diarrhea, dysentery; flower and leaf tea for morning sickness. Leaves and flowers were once used to stop bleeding; also for leucorrhea.
Flowers and Fruits: flowers small (3-4mm), 5-parted, pinkish; in long erect clusters; fruit small, dry, hairy
Leaves: alternate-simple, 3-5cm; egg-shaped to oblong, sawtoothed, undersides covered with dense whitish or rusty wooly hairs
Buds and Twigs: buds long-pointed, silky; twigs wooly
Bark: papery
Habitat: moist meadows, swamps
Uses: Native Americans used the leaf tea for diarrhea, dysentery; flower and leaf tea for morning sickness. Leaves and flowers were once used to stop bleeding; also for leucorrhea.
Northern White Cedar - Thuja occidentalis L.
R.A. Howard @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Trees: evergreen; up to 15m tall; diameter to 60cm
Leaves: scale-like, on twigs and branchlets; about 2-4 mm long
Cones: about 10-15mm long, brown, bell-shaped with loose scales when ripe
Bark: fibrous, long vertical ridges which may tend to spiral around the trunk
Habitat: moist or wet soil, often in swamps
Uses: Native Americans used the leaf tea for headaches, colds, and in cough syrups. The leaf tea was also used in steam baths for rheumatism, arthritis, colds, congestion, headaches, gout, and as a wash for swollen feet and burns. Inner-bark tea was used for coughs. Physicians once used leaf tincture externally on warts, venereal warts, piles, ulcers, bed sores, and fungus infections. Internally, leaf tincture used for bronchitis, asthma, pulmonary disease, and enlarged prostate with urinary incontinence. It is folk remedy for cancer and the leaf oil extract have shown antiviral properties against herpes simplex.
Warning: Leaf oil is toxic, causing hypotension and convulsions. Fatalities have been reported.
Leaves: scale-like, on twigs and branchlets; about 2-4 mm long
Cones: about 10-15mm long, brown, bell-shaped with loose scales when ripe
Bark: fibrous, long vertical ridges which may tend to spiral around the trunk
Habitat: moist or wet soil, often in swamps
Uses: Native Americans used the leaf tea for headaches, colds, and in cough syrups. The leaf tea was also used in steam baths for rheumatism, arthritis, colds, congestion, headaches, gout, and as a wash for swollen feet and burns. Inner-bark tea was used for coughs. Physicians once used leaf tincture externally on warts, venereal warts, piles, ulcers, bed sores, and fungus infections. Internally, leaf tincture used for bronchitis, asthma, pulmonary disease, and enlarged prostate with urinary incontinence. It is folk remedy for cancer and the leaf oil extract have shown antiviral properties against herpes simplex.
Warning: Leaf oil is toxic, causing hypotension and convulsions. Fatalities have been reported.
Basswood - Tilia americana L.
D.E. Herman @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Tree: deciduous, up to 40m tall
Flowers and Fruits: flowers 5-parted, yellow-white petals 7-12mm, fragrant, unusual winged stalk; fruit nut-like
Leaves: alternate-simple; 7-15cm; heart-shaped, uneven bases, an elongate tip; fan-veined (3-5 large veins meeting near the base of the leaf), fine-toothed, never lobed
Buds and Twigs: buds bright red; twigs and smaller branches gray, smooth
Bark: gray, deep grooves separating long narrow ridges
Habitat: moist woods
Uses: Native Americans used the inner-bark tea for lung ailments, heart-burn, weak stomach; poultice to draw out boils. Leaves, flower and bud tea, or tincture traditionally used for nervous headaches, restlessness, and painful digestion.
Warning: Frequent consumption of flower tea may cause heart damage.
Flowers and Fruits: flowers 5-parted, yellow-white petals 7-12mm, fragrant, unusual winged stalk; fruit nut-like
Leaves: alternate-simple; 7-15cm; heart-shaped, uneven bases, an elongate tip; fan-veined (3-5 large veins meeting near the base of the leaf), fine-toothed, never lobed
Buds and Twigs: buds bright red; twigs and smaller branches gray, smooth
Bark: gray, deep grooves separating long narrow ridges
Habitat: moist woods
Uses: Native Americans used the inner-bark tea for lung ailments, heart-burn, weak stomach; poultice to draw out boils. Leaves, flower and bud tea, or tincture traditionally used for nervous headaches, restlessness, and painful digestion.
Warning: Frequent consumption of flower tea may cause heart damage.
Poison Ivy - Toxicodendron radicans (L.) Kuntze
Ted Bodner @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Woody vine: climbing vine, sometimes overcomes original substrate and becomes free-standing
Flowers and Fruits: 5-parted flowers in racemes of 25 or more growing out of the axils of the leaves; fruits greenish-white berries, 3-5mm
Leaves: alternate-compound; 3 leaflets (5-15cm), often irregularly shaped with lobes and/or teeth; terminal leaflet long petioled, lateral leaflets sessile or short petioled; young leaflets often glossy and reddish tinted
Buds and Twigs: buds hairy; twigs brownish; leaf scars crescent-shaped; aerial rootlets attach vine to substrate
Habitat: woods, thickets, fields; especially in disturbed areas
Uses: Once used by physicians for paralytic and liver disorders. Native Americans had rubbed the leaves on poison-ivy rash as a treatment, which is probably why micro-doses are now used homeopathically to treat poison-ivy rash.
Warning: Touching plant often causes severe dermatitis. Internal consumption of Poison Ivy may cause severe effects. Smoke from burning plant and dried plant specimens more than 100 years old can still cause dermatitis. Ironically, the active ingredient, urushiol, inhibits prostaglandin synthesis. Crushed Jewelweed (Touch-me-not) can rubbed onto skin to prevent or relieve outbreak of rash.
Flowers and Fruits: 5-parted flowers in racemes of 25 or more growing out of the axils of the leaves; fruits greenish-white berries, 3-5mm
Leaves: alternate-compound; 3 leaflets (5-15cm), often irregularly shaped with lobes and/or teeth; terminal leaflet long petioled, lateral leaflets sessile or short petioled; young leaflets often glossy and reddish tinted
Buds and Twigs: buds hairy; twigs brownish; leaf scars crescent-shaped; aerial rootlets attach vine to substrate
Habitat: woods, thickets, fields; especially in disturbed areas
Uses: Once used by physicians for paralytic and liver disorders. Native Americans had rubbed the leaves on poison-ivy rash as a treatment, which is probably why micro-doses are now used homeopathically to treat poison-ivy rash.
Warning: Touching plant often causes severe dermatitis. Internal consumption of Poison Ivy may cause severe effects. Smoke from burning plant and dried plant specimens more than 100 years old can still cause dermatitis. Ironically, the active ingredient, urushiol, inhibits prostaglandin synthesis. Crushed Jewelweed (Touch-me-not) can rubbed onto skin to prevent or relieve outbreak of rash.
Slippery Elm - Ulmus rubra Muhl.
Steve Baskauf @ University of Tennessee Herbarium
_ Tree: up to 18m tall, 50cm in diameter; branches upturned, characteristic elm vase-shape outline
Flowers and Fruits: flowers in short, loose tassel-like clusters: fruits are yellowish green, round, and papery, 1.5-2.0cm, with smooth winged margin, hairy only on the seed capsule
Leaves: alternate-simple, 8-14cm; oval, double-toothed, uneven bases; upper surface dark green, very rough; lower surface pale green, hairy
Buds and Twigs: twigs grayish-brown, hairy, slightly zigzag; with grayish-black lateral buds, hairy
Bark: reddish brown to grayish brown, deeply furrowed, fibrous; mucilaginous inner bark “slippery”, white, mildly scented
Habitat: swamps, moist woods and fields
Uses: Three tablespoons of inner bark in a cup of hot water makes a thick, mucilaginous tea that was traditionally used for sore throats, upset stomach, indigestion, digestive irritation, stomach ulcers, coughs, pleurisy; said to help in diarrhea and dysentery. Inner bark is considered edible; once used as a nutritive broth for children, the elderly, and convalescing patients who had difficulty consuming or digesting food. Externally, the thick tea, made from powdered inner bark, was applied to fresh wounds, ulcers, burns, and scalds. Science confirms tea is soothing to mucous membranes and softens hardened tissue. Bark once used as an antioxidant to prevent rancidity of fat. Slivers of inner bark once used – dangerously – as a mechanical abortefacient.
Flowers and Fruits: flowers in short, loose tassel-like clusters: fruits are yellowish green, round, and papery, 1.5-2.0cm, with smooth winged margin, hairy only on the seed capsule
Leaves: alternate-simple, 8-14cm; oval, double-toothed, uneven bases; upper surface dark green, very rough; lower surface pale green, hairy
Buds and Twigs: twigs grayish-brown, hairy, slightly zigzag; with grayish-black lateral buds, hairy
Bark: reddish brown to grayish brown, deeply furrowed, fibrous; mucilaginous inner bark “slippery”, white, mildly scented
Habitat: swamps, moist woods and fields
Uses: Three tablespoons of inner bark in a cup of hot water makes a thick, mucilaginous tea that was traditionally used for sore throats, upset stomach, indigestion, digestive irritation, stomach ulcers, coughs, pleurisy; said to help in diarrhea and dysentery. Inner bark is considered edible; once used as a nutritive broth for children, the elderly, and convalescing patients who had difficulty consuming or digesting food. Externally, the thick tea, made from powdered inner bark, was applied to fresh wounds, ulcers, burns, and scalds. Science confirms tea is soothing to mucous membranes and softens hardened tissue. Bark once used as an antioxidant to prevent rancidity of fat. Slivers of inner bark once used – dangerously – as a mechanical abortefacient.
Lowbush Blueberry (Late Lowbush) - Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.
R.A. Howard @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Shrub: low, much-branched, very colonial, up to 30cm high
Flowers and Fruits: flowers in axillary or terminal racemes; corolla tubular with shallow lobes, 4-6mm long, white to pinkish white; blueberries are covered with a white waxy bloom, 5-10mm diameter
Leaves: alternate-simple; elliptical; deciduous; sharply toothed; 1.5-3.0 cm, 2-3 times as long as wide
Buds and Twigs: twigs hairy or hairless, covered with tiny warts (use lens)
Habitat: moist or dry woods, well-drained sandy or rocky soil
Uses: Native Americans used the leaf tea for colic, labor pains, and as a tonic after miscarriage; fumes of burning dried flowers were inhaled for madness.
Flowers and Fruits: flowers in axillary or terminal racemes; corolla tubular with shallow lobes, 4-6mm long, white to pinkish white; blueberries are covered with a white waxy bloom, 5-10mm diameter
Leaves: alternate-simple; elliptical; deciduous; sharply toothed; 1.5-3.0 cm, 2-3 times as long as wide
Buds and Twigs: twigs hairy or hairless, covered with tiny warts (use lens)
Habitat: moist or dry woods, well-drained sandy or rocky soil
Uses: Native Americans used the leaf tea for colic, labor pains, and as a tonic after miscarriage; fumes of burning dried flowers were inhaled for madness.
Wild Raisin - Viburnum nudum L. var cassinoides (L.)
R.A. Howard @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Shrub: to 10m tall
Flowers and Fruits: flowers 5-lobed, 4-8mm diameter, white; flat clusters 5-10cm in diameter, head without a central stalk; fruits blue-black, 6-12mm long with a sweet pulp; stone flattened, not grooved
Leaves: opposite-simple, glossy, leathery, sharply toothed, green, 5-12cm long; stalks with “wings” along the side; leaves without long pointed tips
Twigs and Buds: 2-scaled with elongate tips
Habitat: wet woods and swamps
Uses: Native Americans used the bark tea as a diuretic, tonic, uterine sedative, antispasmodic, or for diabetes. According to Ed Croom, Lumbees boiled bark for 12 hours to reduce liquid to 1/3 original amount; a 1 ounce dose was taken 3 times per day for 4 days, then dosage was reduced to ½ ounce, taken twice a day.
Flowers and Fruits: flowers 5-lobed, 4-8mm diameter, white; flat clusters 5-10cm in diameter, head without a central stalk; fruits blue-black, 6-12mm long with a sweet pulp; stone flattened, not grooved
Leaves: opposite-simple, glossy, leathery, sharply toothed, green, 5-12cm long; stalks with “wings” along the side; leaves without long pointed tips
Twigs and Buds: 2-scaled with elongate tips
Habitat: wet woods and swamps
Uses: Native Americans used the bark tea as a diuretic, tonic, uterine sedative, antispasmodic, or for diabetes. According to Ed Croom, Lumbees boiled bark for 12 hours to reduce liquid to 1/3 original amount; a 1 ounce dose was taken 3 times per day for 4 days, then dosage was reduced to ½ ounce, taken twice a day.
Cranberry Viburnum - Viburnum opulus L.
R.A. Howard @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Shrub: up to 5m
Flowers and Fruits: flowers grouped in dense rounded head 5-10cm in diameter, 5-lobed, white; red berries, 10-15mm long
Leaves: opposite-simple, 3 lobes with 3-5 veins meeting at the base; sharply toothed, green to reddish-green, 5-10cm long, hairy beneath, especially on the veins; 1-6 glands on leaf stalk near base of leaf
Twigs and Buds: buds 2-scaled; twigs smooth
Habitat: moist woods
Uses: In Europe, the bark tea has been used to relieve all types of spasms, including menstrual cramps; also as an astringent, uterine sedative; science confirms antispasmodic activity. In China, leaves and fruit are used as an emetic, laxative, and antiscorbutic.
Warning: Berries are considered potentially poisonous; they contain chlorogenic acid, betasitosterol, and ursolic acid, when they are unripe.
Flowers and Fruits: flowers grouped in dense rounded head 5-10cm in diameter, 5-lobed, white; red berries, 10-15mm long
Leaves: opposite-simple, 3 lobes with 3-5 veins meeting at the base; sharply toothed, green to reddish-green, 5-10cm long, hairy beneath, especially on the veins; 1-6 glands on leaf stalk near base of leaf
Twigs and Buds: buds 2-scaled; twigs smooth
Habitat: moist woods
Uses: In Europe, the bark tea has been used to relieve all types of spasms, including menstrual cramps; also as an astringent, uterine sedative; science confirms antispasmodic activity. In China, leaves and fruit are used as an emetic, laxative, and antiscorbutic.
Warning: Berries are considered potentially poisonous; they contain chlorogenic acid, betasitosterol, and ursolic acid, when they are unripe.