Loading
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.
Green Dragon - Arisaema dracontium (L.) Schott
Edward W. Chester @ University of Tennessee Herbarium
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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 eat raw, must be cooked. Do not confuse with American White or False Hellebore, which is toxic.
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 eat raw, must be cooked. Do not confuse with American White or False Hellebore, which is toxic.
Virgin's Bower - Clematis virginiana L.
Will Cook @ Duke University
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.
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.
Boneset - Eupatorium perfoliatum L.
R.W. Smith @ Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
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.
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.
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.
Blue Flag - Iris versicolor L.
Jim Stasz @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
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.
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.
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.
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.).
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.
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.).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wood Nettle - Laportea canadensis
Robert H. Mohlenbrock @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Status: FACW
Plant: 30-120 cm tall; stem covered with stinging hairs
Flower: greenish, tiny; in loose branching clusters arising from leaf axils
Leaves: opposite, coarsely toothed; egg shaped, 7-15 cm long
Uses: The young shoots can be simmered for 10-15 minutes. Can be added to soups or stews. A nourishing tea can be made from young shoots or leaves.
Season: spring(shoots), summer(tender leaves)
Parts used: young shoots and leaves
Caution: Do not handle with bare hands.
Plant: 30-120 cm tall; stem covered with stinging hairs
Flower: greenish, tiny; in loose branching clusters arising from leaf axils
Leaves: opposite, coarsely toothed; egg shaped, 7-15 cm long
Uses: The young shoots can be simmered for 10-15 minutes. Can be added to soups or stews. A nourishing tea can be made from young shoots or leaves.
Season: spring(shoots), summer(tender leaves)
Parts used: young shoots and leaves
Caution: Do not handle with bare hands.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Poison Sumac- Toxicodendron vernix
Ted Bodner @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Status: OBL
Flowers and fruit: small, 3 mm long, yellow to green in loose clusters; small, round, white to pale green berries in clusters
Leaves: alternate, compound
Warning: Poisonous, do not touch. If touched will cause severe dermatitis
Flowers and fruit: small, 3 mm long, yellow to green in loose clusters; small, round, white to pale green berries in clusters
Leaves: alternate, compound
Warning: Poisonous, do not touch. If touched will cause severe dermatitis
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.