Words of wisdom from Joyce recently posted on an herbal discussion group we both belong to:
I remember in my early stages of plant ID becoming very proud of myself for remembering many of the latin names and use info I was accumulating. Walking through a swamp one day, saw a patch of Iris versicolor. Named itin my head parts to use, application, etc and walked right by.I'll keep that in mind as I take my herb walk this morning!Caught myself about 50 feet later. Had I stopped to smell the flower? examine the unopened buds? Was midday and muggy - did that effect the quality of the flower, make the leaves more - or less - upright? Was anyone pollinating the plant, what where the other plants growing nearby? any animal track or sign on or nearby... and what might it indicate? etc. How much did I miss by naming the plant and continuing on? I my have known the name and identity of the species - bit I knew NOTHING about that particular individual plant in its particular environment.
This walk and talk was a bit different from the ones I've written about in the past. For this trip to the Superstitions, I was fortunate to have this walk led by David, a Choctaw ethnobotanist who is a caretaker or steward for the area. David has spent time with native peoples of various tribes and brings a wide perspective to traditional uses of the plants.
My camera wasn't cooperating that day, so there aren't any pictures. But you will find links throughout the article that you can follow for images or more information.
MORE...Our latest trip in the field was really more to check on the condition of the native plants rather than to do a full "walk and talk." It was a bone-dry summer, but some early fall rains just north of Phoenix most likely invoked a response in the plants of the area. So we headed to the Agua Fria National Monument to see what we could see.
Surprisingly enough, it was as green as I've seen in recent years. Walking down Badger Springs Wash, it was hard to believe this was the same area I had walked just two short months ago, seeking some images of Xanthium strumarium for a lecture I was preparing. What was hard to find then was in abundance this time around!
I'm working on a new lecture/walk-and-talk combination. This weekend, I spoke to some fellow herbalists (it was a day of sharing) about an inconspicuous and ubiquitous shrub here in the Sonoran desert, Ambrosia deltoidea... also known as triangle-leaf bursage or just simply burr sage.
Bursage is just about everywhere you step in the desert at this elevation (1200 feet.) If you're out in the desert, you'll probably pass right by it thinking its another plant that's succumbed to the desert drought. Not so. It may look dead, but this little plant who's name means "immortal" will spring back to it's grey-green color with a good rain.
Bursage acts as a nurse plant to many of the more recognizable inhabitants, like the Saguaro cactus. For the first few years, Saguaro and other plants need shelter from the blazing sun, howling wind, and other less pleasant aspects of our desert. Ambrosia provides that shelter, and it's not uncommon to find a nursing species growing underneath just about every Ambrosia shrub you find; if you look hard enough.
The lecture will consist of probably about 10 plants, but focus more on the spiritual and physical aspects of the plant, in an effort to give the students a better understanding about the plant as a companion species on this planet. I'm sure we'll talk medicinal qualities as well, but these aspects will be de-emphasized for this lesson. I really enjoyed this Saturday's talk and am looking forward to expanding the offering of plants.
At this time, it's simply too hot to think about walking in the desert. There isn't much to look at right now, as it's been pretty bone dry and most of the plants have dropped their leaves to conserve water.
As cooler weather prevails in late October and November, we should start seeing some new colors. Nothing is officially planned yet, but look for walks in the following areas:
- Agua Fria National Monument - 40 miles north of Phoenix
- Lake Pleasant - Northwest of Phoenix
Keep in mind that what we see completely depends on the amount of rain we get this fall. No rain, probably little or no flowers. However, the Jojoba, Algerita and Desert Hackberry (just to name a few) will be out as always.
Walk and Talks are a chance for you to see the medicinal side of our desert. I'll share with you the names of many medicinal plants along the way and relate how they were used traditionally as well as how we continue to use the plants today.
What to Bring:
- Sturdy hiking shoes - It's not a physically challenging walk, but it's not a stroll in the park, either!
- A camera - You don't want to forget what you've learned, do you?
- Hat and sunscreen - It's still the desert, and you can still get a sunburn, regardless of the cooler weather.
- Water - And while you're at it, bring some more water.
- Dogs? - Sure. As long as they are on a leash and used to walking in the desert. I'll probably bring mine!
What to Leave Behind:
- Cigarettes, junk food and other disposable items - Let's try and minimize our impact on the land.
What I'll Provide:
- A binder with sturdy card stock for taking notes and specimens of certain plants.
- A pen to write with.
- Lots of info about the medicine at our feet!
These classes do fill up quickly, so be sure and email me today with your interest. Fees for this class are $25.00 per person, group discounts apply for parties four or more. Tours last approximately four hours.