First of all, the plant known as “Mexican oregano” is a different species in different parts of Mexico. In each case, local people just shrug and call it orégano, because it’s what they know and use. There is not one single Mexican oregano. These different […]
Hibiscus flowers can be charming and pretty on the plant, but I also find them quite charming on my plate. There are many ways to enjoy hibiscus, especially if you go outside each afternoon and collect that days bounty and dry yourself a big jar […]
Castor bean plant (Ricinus communis) is the source of castor oil. It is called ricino or higuerilla in Spanish, and called yech! by small children dosed with it’s oil as a laxative. It’s not a Bean Castor is a member of the Euphorbiaceae, the […]
Elder or elderberry is a Southwest native somewhat shrubby tree. Virtually all parts of the plant are used. In my book on Father Kino’s Herbs, I list these uses: “Cosmetic, Culinary, Dye, Edible Flowers, Medicinal, Ornamental, Wildlife.” What’s in a Name As with any useful […]
Some of our Southwest native plants, like Ephedra, are found around the world. Everywhere that Ephedra occurs, Native peoples have found similar uses for it, generally as a tea. Prehistoric Ephedra Ephedra is a fascinating plant that has been on earth since before plants had […]
Chamomile! In honor of National Hot Tea Month, lets look at a soothing herbal tea you can grow in your yard in the Southwest in the cooler months of winter. Name Nerd Shares The herb known to most Americans as chamomile comes from two different […]
Humans have foraged plants and herbs for aeons. Plants have many uses, but the title says “herbs” – so we will stick to those. Herbs are used for food, medicine, as glue, to eliminate pests, to help with acquiring food (e.g., fish stunning herbs), for […]
Wild rhubarb in the Southwest is in a genus called Rumex. This tasty wild plant that only shows its leaves in late winter in the Southwest. Jacqueline Soule here today to talk about about Rumex hymenosepalus, commonly called wild rhubarb, canaigre, hierba colorada, Arizona dock, […]
Creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) has many uses for the forager. Lucky for us this plant is quite common throughout the Southwest. But note. Desert plants contain numerous defensive compounds to keep the critters from devouring them wholesale and creosote is no exception! In my book […]
I enjoy atole – a warm drink popular throughout Mexico, Central America, and the American Southwest. Atole Has Many Variations Atole (pronounced a-tole-ee) is generally based on corn, frequently sweetened somehow, and often prepared with cinnamon as well. There are countless various recipes for preparation, […]
