Forgive the marginal quality of the photos, but I had limited time for this expedition. It was shoot-and-run. And dodge the rain! From start to finish, in a span of 63 minutes, these are the species encountered, in the order I found them. Regarding the annotations, in case anyone asks, it is "folklore" and not medical advice.
Pink Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium acaule) Orchis family.
Usually found near pines and that was the case for this one. I've been visiting this colony almost every year for the past decade, and it has stayed fairly constant in size. From what I saw, this was the last one in bloom. Cypripedium does not reproduce or transplant well, so it must not be picked or dug. The arrangement of the pouch-like bloom poses an obstacle for bumble-bees and other pollinators, and the flower doesn't provide nectar, so after pollinating a few flowers, the bees determine that the reward is not worth the effort. Hence, pollination rates are relatively low. And the seeds rely upon the the presence of specific soil fungi in order to thrive.
Once called "American Valerian" for its sedative properties, it was used in the 19th century for nervous headaches, insomnia and hysteria. Due to its scarcity, it should NOT be harvested for medicinal use.
False Hellebore (Veratrum viride) Lily family.
The species pictured here grows abundantly this time of year, but I've never succeeded in comfirming a proper ID. Seeing a reference to false hellebore prior to my plant walk, I thought the mystery was over. Now, I'm still not sure. The leaves of Veratrum viride appear to be more deeply grooved or pleated than the leaves on this plant. I've never managed to find it while in bloom, so that has stymied me. I had always thought it to be a lily, and Veratrum viride is indeed in the lily family. The leaves of the V. viride wither away before summer, so I need to keep close watch on it the next few weeks.
If it is false hellebore, then it is a no-go medicinally. In the past, alkaloids from the plant were extracted for use as a hypertensive, but this is nothing to play around with. The leaves and roots are extremely toxic. As the (questionable) legend goes, Native American braves would consume the plant and the ones who survived were considered sufficiently robust to become leaders.
Wild Geranium, or, Crane's Bill (Geranium maculatum) Geranium family.
This is one of the most prevalent wildflowers in these parts during April and May. The beak-like capsule at the flower is the reason it is called Crane's Bill, and the Greek word for crane, "geranos," is the origin of the genus name.
The tannin-rich root has many uses: astringent and styptic, it has been used to stop bleeding and to treat diarrhea, dysentery, piles, gum disease, kidney and stomach problems. It has been used externally as a cancer treatment. The powdered root has been used to treat canker sores.
Foam Flower (Tiarella cordifolia) Saxifrage family.
This fairly common flower spreads by underground stems in shady areas. I often see it near the banks of brooks and streams and other moist places.
Native Americans used a tea from the leaves as mouthwash and as a remedy for eye ailments. Root tea was a diuretic. And it was used as a poultice on wounds. Its tannic content is likely the reason for its effectiveness.
Black Cohosh, or, Black Snakeroot, or, Fairy Candle, among other common names (Actaea racemosa) Buttercup family.
The foliage and overall posture of the plant make it quite distinctive this time of year. It will send up long , showy spikes of white flowers soon, which makes the designation "Fairy Candle" appropriate. In my experience around here, this is more abundant than the Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) and the two are not closely related.
Research confirms that the plant has estrogenic, hypoglycemic, sedative and anti-inflammatory effects. Tinctures have been used for bronchitis, fevers, lumbago, rheumatism, snakebite and menstrual difficulties. There is a long history of using extracts from the rhizomes and roots for medicinal purposes. Various saponins, cimifugic acids and other phenol carboxylic acids, are among the phytochemicals that make the plant extracts powerful and versatile remedies for many ailments. At one time, the wild-harvested plants were important in the Southern Appalachian herbal industry, and some people are now growing the plants to supply demand for the roots.
Common Cinquefoil (Potentilla simplex) Rose family.
I don't believe I have encountered this species as often as I have some of its close relatives, like Dwarf Cinquefoil (Potentilla canadensis), Sulphur Cinquefoil (Potentilla recta), Indian Strawberry (Duchesna indica), and Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana).
An astringent tea made from the roots has been used as a remedy for diarrhea.
Sweet Shrub, or, Carolina Allspice (Calycanthus floridus) Calycanthus family.
When I was growing up in the Piedmont, we had one small specimen of this plant and my father liked it a great deal. I wonder if it reminded him of his trips to the mountains, where it grows quite well. Everytime I see the plant, I think of my dad, and share his fondness for the unusual blossoms and their spicy fragrance.
Cherokees used a tea from the bark and roots as an emetic and diuretic, and as drops to restore failing eyesight. However, the plant might be toxic to grazing cattle.
Pipevine, or, Dutchman's Pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla) Birthwort family.
I took the picture just because I enjoyed the heart shaped leaves and didn't intend to include it on the list. But on further review, it should be here, although I'm not 100% certain about the ID. Pipevine is a common plant in natural communities like this one, but I've only seen the flowers once before, at Jones Gap (above the Cullasaja River) on May 1 several years ago. It is worth making a special trip to see the odd flowers, which bear a slight resemblance to the reddish-brown flowers of Wild Ginger (a relative). Scent attracts small flies and other insects to the flower, and once inside the "pipe" closes around them, the flower stops giving off a scent, pollen is released onto the insects, and a day or so later the pipe opens to free the trapped bugs.
The plant has a connection to the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly (Battus philenor) which, from my view, is the most common butterfly in these parts. Many members of the genus Aristolochia are host plants for the larvae of Pipevine Swallowtails.
Traditionally, the plant's compounds (aristolochic acids, among others) were deemed useful in child birth, hence the name "Birthwort" has been used for this and closely related plants. The genus name is derived from Greek roots "aristos" meaning "best" and "lochia" meaning "child birth." Other applications include the treatment of snake bite, gastrointestinal problems, respiratory problems, tumors, wounds, infectious diseases, and fever.
Another species in the genus is a more potent source of medicinal compounds: Virginia Snakeroot (Aristolochia serpentaria). And now we are getting close to the origins of the derisive term "snakeoil salesman." An extract of the Southwestern Pipevine (Aristolochia watsonii) was the main ingredient in the oil sold by traveling “snakeroot doctors” at medicine shows in the Old West during the 19th century. And we've all seen those cagey codgers in our favorite Westerns.
Umbrella Leaf (Podophyllum cymosum, formerly Diphylleia cymosum) Burberry family.
This plant, with leaves up to about one foot across, is not very common. These were growing in a low space, down a bank, next to a trickle of water. And that describes the habitat where I last saw this species, a few years ago, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, near Waterrock Knob. The white blooms on these plants were almost spent, and soon we'll see the fruits (shiny blue berries on stems that will turn red). Another member of the genus is the Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum), and there are some vigorous patches of that plant nearby. The natural range of Umbrella Leaf is limited to the Southern Appalachians - it prefers elevations of 3000-5000', but I see that the state extension service recommends the species for home landscapes, if conditions are suitable.
The Cherokees used a root tea to induce sweating. It is also considered diuretic and antiseptic. However, toxicity is a concern with this plant. Extracts from closely related Chinese plants and from the Mayapple have been used as cancer treatments. But, to repeat, toxicity is a concern with these plants.
Mountain Bugbane (Cimicifuga americana) Buttercup family.
Here is another "maybe.' A couple of minutes earlier, I had seen (what I assume to be) Black Cohosh, and I thought this was another one. But on looking at the photos, I'm inclined to think this is a different plant, due to subtle differences in the leaves. Black Cohosh and Mountain Bugbane are quite similar, and when they bloom it will be much easier to confirm my initial IDs. The flower parts of the two species are distinctly different, if you know what to look for. The quick trick is to smell the flowers. Black Cohosh has a very strong odor to attract Carrion Beetles for pollination. Mountain Bugbane lacks that powerful aroma.
Allegheny Mountain Buttercup (Ranunculus allegheniensis) Buttercup family.
It is wishful thinking on my part to list this rare Allegheny Mountain Buttercup, but you can't fault a guy for hoping. The fact is, I'm not sure about the species on this one. I need to revisit the plant for a closer look and do some more research. It may very well be a Tall Buttercup (R. acris) but I need to see the basal leaves again.
Medicinally, the fresh leaves and poulticed roots have been used to treat neuralgia, boils and absesses. But the plant is extremely acrid and will damage tender mucosa. Wild animals that nibble the plant promptly learn their lesson and avoid it.
Rue Anemone (Thalictrum thalictroids)...or is it Early Meadowrue (Thalictrum dioicum)...no,no, it is Brook Meadowrue (Thalictrum clavatum) Buttercup family.
I reflexively thought, "rue anemone" as soon as I saw the leaves of this plants. But the more I examined it, the less convinced I was. The plants and leaves are larger than I recall and the growth habit is different, this is more of a spreading clump with flowers above the leafy mass.
[I'm revisiting these notes after further study. Looking at the photo, I began to think that I had two different flowers here, the foliage of some type of rue, and then seperate white flowers growing up through the rue foliage. But, no, it is all one plant after all and quite clearly Brook Meadowrue, aka Cliff Meadowrue, aka Lady Rue. The flowers lack petals - the showy white parts are sepals and the seeds are shaped like crescent moons. This plant has a very limited range, from Virginia to north Georgia, and is usually found near seepage slopes, wet cliffs and the banks of brooks.]
The genus name, Thalictrum, comes from the Greek word describing a plant with divided leaves. "Dioicum" means "two houses" and refers to the fact that male and female flowers grow on separate plants. The story goes that Native Americans would stealthily sprinkle Thalictrum seeds into the food of quarreling couples to facilitate their reconciliation.
Medically, the sap of the plant has been used to burn corns off the feet. And native people prepared root tea to treat diarrhea. But the plant is considered toxic.
Sharp-lobed Hepatica, Liverwort (Hepatica acutiloba) Buttercup family.
Hepatica is one of the early spring bloomers, in flower perhaps six weeks ago, alongside Spring Beauty, Toothwort, Star Chickweed, Bloodroot and other spring ephemerals. The foliage remains and is one of my favorites to see at any time in its life cycle.
Hepatica is often cited in discussions of the ancient "Doctrine of Signatures" which hypothesized that a plant's resemblance to a body part was a sign that it could be used to treat diseases of that organ. Hepatica, with lobed, liver-colored leaves, resembled a liver and was used to treat liver problems. A century ago, vast amounts of hepatica leaves were harvested for the commercial production of liver tonics.
Speckled Wood Lily, or, White Clintonia (Clintonia umbellulata) Lily family.
Henry David Thoreau complained that this plant genus had been named for a New York politician who lost a bid for the Presidency. No, not HER, but DeWitt Clinton (1769-1828), an early governor of the state. The delicate white flowers give way to shiny black berries.
The leaves, with a cucumber-like flavor, are edible: raw when young and cooked when older.
Halberdleaf Yellow Violet (Viola hastata) Violet family.
This is a violet with a yellow flower, but even when the flowers fade, the foliage is pleasing to the eye. The distinctive shape of the leaf is thought to resemble the halberd, a battle-ax from the 15th and 16th centuries. In folklore, the violet symbolizes simplicity and modesty.
Compounds from some of the violets have been used to treat skin cancers.
Smooth Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum biflorum) Lily family.
The flowers of this plant are arranged all along the stem, underneath the leaves. The white, bell-shaped flowers give way to round fruit that hang from the plant through the summer. Almost invariably, if I encounter one of these Solomon's Seals, I will find a False Solomon's Seal nearby. That happened again on this walk. It is easy to distinguish False Solomon's Seal, as its flowers or berries are NOT suspended along the length of the plant, but in a cluster at the tip of the stem.
Polygonatum biflorum root tea is used to treat arthritis, indigestion, and lung ailments, and as a laxative.
False Solomon's Seal (Smilacina racemosa, aka, Maianthemum racemosum) Lily family.
At first glance, this plant looks do different from Smooth Solomon's Seal. They are easy to distinguish, though. Clusters of tiny flowers are found at the tip of the False Solomon's Seal plant, and the berries develop there.
Native Americans used the plant for some of the same purposes as P. biflorum.
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)
Of course, it isn't a flowering plant, but it is not to be ignored. The black stipes and curved form are elegant. The name "maidenhair" actually designates the genus, and there are about 250 species of Maidenhair Ferns worldwide within the genus. The genus name is derived from a Greek word meaning "unwetted," as the fronds can shed water without becoming wet.
This fern is said to be useful for bronchitis, coughs, menstrual difficulties.
Golden Alexander (Zizia spp.)...or is it Meadow-Parsnip (Thaspium spp.) Parsley family.
I still have work to do on this one. I had no clue about this when I saw it. In my haste to avoid an impending shower (I wound up getting soaked anyhow, but it was well worth it) I did not take more pictures and gather enough information. For one thing, the basal leaves are important for identification of species of these plants. (It is good practice to note that in any case, as the basal leaves might be quite different from leaves higher on the stem. The form of the umbel is noteworthy. For the classic umbel form, think Queen-Anne's Lace, which has a cluster of flowers with a flat top. By contrast, the flowers in this specimen radiate out in all directions. The experts do offer one tip for distinguishing Zizia from Thaspium: "In Zizia, the central floret of each umbel is sessile (IS NOT stalked) and in Thaspium the central floret IS stalked." From my photo, it is hard to tell what I have, and so a return visit will be necessary. [After checking again, it seems the central floret IS stalked, which would mean this is a Meadow-Parsnip, but I'm still uncertain about the species.]
In folk traditions, these plants had many uses, such as treatment of fever, wound care and inducing sleep. Again, there's high risk of toxicity, when used improperly.
Woodland Bluet (Houstonia purpurea) Madder family.
I found this solitary bluet on the path. Most people, I'm guessing, are more familiar with the shorter Common Bluet (Houstonia caerulea) which can create little carpets of blue near the overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway and other sites that are mowed. Those bluets are short enough to avoid the cutting blade. Woodland Bluets are twice as tall and have clusters of flowers, instead of just one bloom at the top of each stem. With either plant, the individual blooms are tiny. If one examines the Woodland Bluet more closely, he might notice that the individual flowers in the cluster are not all the same. Some have short stamens and long pistils, others are just the opposite, an arrangement that enhances pollination.
Cherokees used a leaf tea to prevent bed-wetting.
Common Alumroot, aka, American Sanicle (Heuchera americana) Saxifrage family.
For whatever reason, I know it as "Coral Bells" but that name is better applied to some related cultivars that are showy landscape plants in the home garden.
The root of Alumroot is a strong astringent, and a tea of the leaves has been used for diarrhea, dysentery, piles, and as a gargle for sore throat.
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis montana) Wood-sorrel family.
I'm certain about the genus, but not rock-solid convinced about the species, the reason being that the plants are so much larger than the Wood Sorrels I've seen in the past. The sour taste of the shamrock-like leaves is the same, though. If it is Wood Sorrel, then it should be blooming soon with flowers reminiscent of the delicately candy-striped Spring Beauty (Claytonia caroliniana) and what a lovely site that will be!
"Sorrel" is German for "sour." The plant is a nice addition to salads and has been a treatment for scurvy, thanks to its high Vitamin C content. Consuming too much oxalic acid, from this or other plants, can inhibit the absorption of calcium in the body.
Vasey's Trillium (Trillium vaseyi) Lily family.
My flower walk was an out-and-back. I wandered for a little more than a half-mile before it was time to turn around. And at that point I wondered what I would discover on the return trip that I had missed on first pass. It happens. And this flower was an easy one to miss. Some trilliums display their blooms above the trio of leaves. Others, like the Vasey's, conceal the flower underneath the leaves. The deep maroon color of the blossom blends into the shadows, too. I'm so glad I saw it, because it is the largest of trilliums, and the latest to bloom. Unlike some foul-smelling trilliums, Vasey's is pleasantly fragrant. And while most plants in the lily family possess leaves with parallel veins, trilliums have net-veined leaves. I had some recollection of trillium reproduction involving ants and a seven-year wait and found the story once again. Heather McCargo details this on the Wild Seed Project website:
Six to eight weeks after the plant blooms, the seedpod ripens by suddenly softening and falling off the plant. Ants immediately carry the seeds back to their nest, eat the nutritious, fleshy white protrusion attached to the shiny, dark-brown seeds, and discard the seeds. If conditions are good (trillium likes a humus-y woodland soil with adequate moisture and shade), the seed will lie dormant and germinate after the second spring (yes, nearly two years later). At age 7, it may have its first bloom. A mature trillium plant with multiple blooming stems can be decades old. So if you see a trillium plant for sale in a nursery with pricing similar to other perennials, you can be pretty sure it was not nursery-propagated. Ask the nursery – if they cannot tell you how it was propagated, assume it was dug up in the wild. Let them know that this is unacceptable.
Indian Cucumber Root (Medeola virginiana) Lily family.
The genus name is a nod to Medea, a sorceress in Greek mythology. This is always a fun plant to see, thanks to the whorls of leaves radiating out from the stem. The ends of leaves nearest the stem, on the upper whorl, will take on a red color very soon.
Happily, I don't need to attach a toxicity warning to this one. The rhizome of the plant is crisp and juicy. You can eat it raw or pickled. I say this although I've never foraged one, preferring to leave them undisturbed. Besides its use as a salad ingredient, Native Americans would chew the root and the spit the paste onto a hook to attract fish, and a tea from the root has been used as an anticonvulsant and as a diuretic for dropsy, which is quaint word once used for what we call "edema" or fluid build-up in the body.
Nice to learn the real meaning of "dropsy." When I was a kid, and an item would slip from someone's hand and hit the floor, they were liable to quip, "Oops, I've got dropsy."
That's it for notes from a Sunday afternoon wildflower stroll. Grateful I am to reside in the midst of one of the paramount "botany schools" on the planet. That, in part, is what makes the Cowees the Cowees.
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