We have sparkleberries! These Florida natives are close relatives of blueberries, and people graft blueberry cuttings onto sparkleberry rootstock to make them hardier. The sparkleberry berries are edible, but not as juicy as blueberries. People used to make pies and jams from them. Having sparkleberries growing wild on our land is great for a few …
Author Archives: ianias
Camphorweed (Heterotheca Subaxillaris)
Camphorweed is a north American native. It can be used like arnica to treat bruises, aches, and sprains, but its method of action is directly opposite that of arnica, numbing and calming the inflammatory response rather than increasing the white blood cells like arnica does.
Florida Betony (Stachys Floridana)
Florida betony, also known as rattlesnake weed, is a member of the mint family with the characteristic square stem and spade shaped, scalloped leaves. It’s edible and grows like a … wait for it … weed. Seriously, people in the southern US spend way too much time, effort, and money to remove this plant when …
Smooth Rattlebox (Crotalaria pallida)
Smooth rattlebox is an odd looking perennial member of the legumes. It caught my eye immediately. Like most legumes, it’s good for the soil and makes good compost. Unlike the other members of the crotalaria genus, this one is considered somewhat edible…I think. Wikipedia claims the flowers can be eaten and the seeds used in …
Chestnuts
We have at least 3 chestnut trees that are bearing their spikey fruits. Sadly, the local wildlife have nabbed all the fattest ones that have fallen. I’m not sure what variety these are. If anyone knows, comment and I’ll update this entry.
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