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 […]
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a lovely herb that can be easily grown in much of the Southwest. Dr. Jacqueline Soule wrote about growing lemongrass this week on Gardening With Soule. Now its time to share some of the many ways to use this tasty herb! […]
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 […]
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 […]
One way to truly savor the Southwest is to grow and use herbs that do well in our dry climate, like bay. On Gardening With Soule this week, I posted this: “I could write a book about having your yard to look lovely, grow food, […]
National Lavender Day is June 29. In honor of this widely celebrated and universally beloved holiday, we deemed it time to share a timely tip on one way to use lovely lavender. Why is it Called Lavender? The name of the plant is derived from […]
Yerba mansa is a native Southwest herb that has some proven anti-bacterial properties. An Unusual Herb This lovely herb is in the Lizard Tail Family (Saururaceae), an unusual plant family with only seven species in it, grouped into four genera. Yerba mansa is known more […]
Tall stately mesquite trees are not what most people think of as a herb! But this graceful tree with durable wood was used as a medicinal herb as well as a source of food, tools, and building materials. Mesquite Pods The seed pods of mesquite, […]
Brittlebush (Encelia species) is in the sunflower family and offers its bright yellow flowers to pollinating bees as early as January in parts of the desert Southwest. It is easily recognized and has some nice uses for the forager – or if you just want […]
Globe mallow, desert mallow, apricot mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua) is blooming now in the Southwest, and it is one of those herbs long used by humans. Desert Wildflower The globe mallow is a common desert wildflower found especially in disturbed areas. Leaves and stems are covered […]
