Backwoods Botanicals

Poison sumac and winged sumac, both being shrubs, differ significantly. While poison sumac thrives in wet environments, winged sumac prefers drier, well-drained soil. Their leaves are also visibly different; poison sumac has 7-13 leaflets with smooth edges, unlike winged sumac's 9-23 leaflets with serrated edges. A key distinction is the fruit and skin irritation. Poison sumac has white or light-green berries and contains urushiol, the same skin irritant as poison oak, which causes skin rashes. Winged sumac has red berries and does not cause skin irritation. (Photos from Healthline.com and Pwconserve.org)

Poison oak, scientifically known as Toxicodendron pubescens, is a deciduous shrub easily identified by its compound leaves, each featuring three leaflets that resemble oak leaves and dainty white flowers. This plant is not edible and contains urushiol in all its parts, which causes painful, itchy blisters upon contact. It thrives in dry, sandy, and rocky areas, typically growing 2-4 feet tall but can reach up to 10 feet. Historically, Native people used poison oak for medicinal purposes, potentially treating warts, skin cancer, and as an antidote for snake bites. The sap was also used as a dye.

Try to say “Crotalaria Retusa” five times fast. Also known as Rattlepod, rattle weed, or rattlesnaps, this invasive annual weed is exactly what you might think. The plant is known for its bright yellow flowers and pea like pods that rattle. It is a part of the Fabaceae family, and it surpasses my expectations by thousands. It can be edible, its flowers and leaves having a sweet flavor. The roots can be used variously. They are often used to treat bloody coughs, dyspepsia, cardiac disorders, fever, diarrhea, scabies, and even impetigo! An infusion of the plant can be used in a soothing bath to treat skin infections. Despite these wonderful benefits, make sure to keep this plant out of your pastures. These weeds potentially yield toxins harmful to livestock!

Ever wonder what that odd stalk-like weed is in a pasture near your house? That is most likely Verbascum thapsus! Commonly known as mullein, candlewick, and flannel plant, it is a part of the scrophulariacea family, or snapdragon family. It is considered an invasive plant, notoriously growing in disturbed, sunny areas and thrives on roadsides, fields, forest clearings, and is often found in dry, sandy soil. Despite its odd, unattractive appearance, it is both edible and has many health benefits! It is best to forage roots for consumption in autumn of the first year of this biennial’s lifespan, though it may be harder to find in its first year of growth due to its closeness to the ground. The roots are known for being a great remedy for back pain, often being made into herbal tinctures. In its second year it is much more noticeable, as it grows into a 6-8 foot tall green stalk, later turning brown when the seeds are produced, with bright yellow flowers. The flowers are edible in itself,...

American Mistletoe, scientifically known as Phoradendron leucarpum, is a very recognizable plant. Known for its ball shape and red berries, it is a common decoration in households as well as at parties during Christmas season, however, many do not know that it is actually a hemiparasite. This means that it is a partially parasitic plant. In nature, it is usually attached to host trees in a sphere like shape, and often produces red or white berries depending on the type. Despite its jolly appearance, mistletoe is HIGHLY POISONOUS. Under no circumstances should you ever eat from this plant. Both its leaves and berries are highly toxic and should be avoided at all costs. Upon digestion, it may have a series of unfortunate effects on humans and animals alike. While it may have been used medicinally at some point, it is best to keep it out of the kitchen. (The first picture shown was taken in February 2022, the second was take 3 years later)

Senna obtusifolia, also known as sickle pod, is an invasive southeastern American native plant. It has large, what I think seem, leaves similar to bay leaf. However, don’t let this plant fool you. It was known to be used in 4000 B.C. as a laxative and diuretic. The leaves, roots, seeds may be used in various ways. The plant is potentially toxic, so beware of large amounts! Also known as javabean, coffeeweed, and coffee bean, it is part of the caesalpinia family. The flower, from what I saw, was a small yellow bud. If I were you, I would double check that “wild bay leaf” growing in your yard!