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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Forage some wormwood (Artemisia) while you forage your acorns for OAKtober. Indeed, you can forage leaves of the wormwood plants at virtually any time of year. Best flavor is when plants are not in bloom tho. Wormwood?! This plant was once commonly used to treat […]
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 […]
Creosote is a remarkable herb for your herb garden! Low-water, lovely, and highly useful, this unique desert shrub rewards any extra water you give it by adorning its branches with masses of vivid yellow, star-shaped flowers. After the pretty flowers, the seed pods develop. They […]
