I am just wild over the fact that my little wildflowers are a mystery no more, thanks to Judy at Thru Squirrel Eyes. Her blogs are amazing and so is she. She is not only the Squirrel Queen to me, but Queen Bee (for her wonderful bee photos), and now Wizard Of Weeds. She knows about a lot of things, and she knew about my little wildflowers. Thanks, Judy!! The flower in the first picture is Creeping Charlie, a form of ground ivy. And the second is Persian Speedwell. Both are considered invasive species. Creeping Charlie is in the mint family and was intentionally brought to North America. People are killing it with Borax now. But it's leaves are purported to be as effective as any NSAID for fibromyalgia, and also good for inflamed eyes and kidney diseases. Before Hops were discovered, it was the only herb the Saxons used to clarify and improve the flavor of their beer. The second little flower, Persian speedwell, is often used in cough syrups and infusions for it's expectorant ability. A medical paper written in 2002 states that it may be valuable in treating cancer, ageing, arthritis, and inflammation. Weeds? I think not. A whole pharmacy right in my front yard. Perhaps God made certain flowers to run rampant for a reason. If these same flowers were more rare, they would be highly prized and sought after. Be careful, little hands, what you pull.
"Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing." Ezekiel 47:12
10 comments:
How interesting! Thanks for sharing!
Great information Ginny. Many 'weeds' actually have a variety of uses. I had no idea either of these had so many possibilities.
I don't know about the Wizard of Weeds, I just remembered looking them up when they showed up in my yard.
We have creeping charlie but I've never seen it bloom. I like the leaves but most people work hard to get rid of it.
Best,
Bonnie
Hey...when I'm dead I've told both my kids ... dandelions only! I love them. And I hate seeing people killing them. :((
Wow - thanks for sharing!
I learn new facts every day. who would a thought! my post today is more about God's pharmacy. two great minds think alike, and we are both great. ha ha. my husband says all flowers were weeds at one time, weeds means they grow naturally, so he is right. for once only.
How interesting. I love learning new things about flowers.
I'm glad the mystery has been solved and I thank you for all the information about these two plants. I agree that I''m not sure they should be called weeds.
Hi Ginny,
The little bird is a female Red Winged Blackbird. I have some photos of the males that I will post later.
By the way, I love your header photo.
Judy
Glad you found out what your wildflowers are, Ginny. Judy (Squirrel Queen) is a very special lady... I call on her alot when I need help with my photography. She's a fabulous woman!!!!
I wouldn't have a clue what any of the wild flowers are. I have never paid much attention to them before blogging. Now--I'm finding how many good qualities so many of them have.
Some posted just this week that Violets are a great medicine... AND--this person had made some Violet Jelly... I had never heard of that before.
Hope you are feeling better. I am fine now.
Hugs,
Betsy
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