Horehound is not native to the Southwest, it is an Old World plant, but it has made the desert margins its home. It’s not invasive here in the Southwest* by any means, rather you can find a few rare scattered clumps of it here or […]
Horehound
Tag: tea
13 Ways to Use Rosemary This Thanksgiving
Many of us in the Southwest grow rosemary because it is a relatively low-water user that blooms in winter to feed the bees. But rosemary can become rampant! It will easily overtake a space. Yes, it is related to mint – which will also run […]
Forage Edible Hibiscus
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 […]
Elderberry in the Southwest
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 […]
Sparkling Fermented Flowers
Flower season is starting! Spring is slowly approaching, and plants are beginning to bloom. The flowers are lovely to look at – but as it happens many of them can also be used for culinary purposes. The list is at the bottom of this article, […]
Ephedra – A Native and Global Herb
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 […]
Seven Plants to Forage for Iced Tea
The tea industry has declared June “National Iced Tea Month.” So today we will look at seven common regional plants that make tasty tea. Many of these can be grown as landscape plants – so foraging could be as close as your own yard. Let’s […]
Globe Mallow
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 […]
Rose Petals are Tasty
The flavor of rose petals is one of those subtle flavors that will delight your taste buds. Don’t miss this taste treat! But why roses in August? They don’t tend to bloom in August here in the desert. Let’s Look at History If we go […]