This virtual herb walk is intended to take the reader through the seasons of the year and give witness to the harvesting and preparation activities of an enthusiastic herbalist who spends much time a-field. I live in the Upper Midwest in Zone 3, and have access to diverse ecosystems of deciduous forest, farms, marsh, river, and pockets of prairie. I will attempt to profile useful plants and wild foods and give lots of how-to information on harvesting, medicinal uses & preparations, nutritional values, and recipes.
***Please note that my focus has primarily been on wild foods and the nutritional aspect of herbal medicine this year. Next year I hope to profile more medicinal herbs and their uses and preparations.
January -- Books, Internet Links, Schools, Conferences, Newsletters, Herb Suppliers, Forums
February -- Making Harvesting Baskets, Willow, Red Osier Dogwood
March -- Maple Sap, Watercress, Garlic Mustard, Wintercress, Mullein
April -- Nettles, Burdock, Wild Leeks, Chickweed, Yellow Dock
May -- Dandelions, Violets, Morels, Wild Asparagus
June -- Mint, Lambsquarter, Cattail, Red Clover
August -- Sumac, Blackberries
September -- Acorns, Black Walnuts, Hickory Nuts, Elderberries, Wild Grapes
November -- Winter Storehouse: The Freezer, The Root Cellar, The Refrigerator, The Pantry
December -- Herbs for Winter Health, White Pine, Spruce, Cedar
Plants by Alphabetical Listing: