"There are over 20,000 species of edible plants in the world yet fewer than 20 species now provide 90% of our food. However, there are hundreds of less well known edible plants from all around the world which are both delicious and nutritious." - Plants For A Future database website... Last week I wrote a quick post about the tonifying and nutritional value of the three most common 'weeds' found in my North Texas garden: dandelion, henbit and chickweed. Primrose, pictured here, is another 'weed' in our Texas lawns, but because it is pretty, most folks tolerate this medicinal gem known for soothing PMS and the physiological signs of menopause.
While searching for answers to the edible and medicinal qualities of some of my "less attractive" weeds (yes, looking for the positive in everything!) I came across this most amazing database:
Plants For A Future: 7000 Edible and Medicinal Plants
(click above for link)
This comprehensive database offers an easy to use system which allows users to type in any plant name (or part of a name!), then pulls up a guide to the plant suggesting its edible value, medicinal value, growth requirements and even design ideas!! The site also offers references, a forum and a blog.
Part of a complete Homesteading effort includes using the resources Mother nature has gifted us with- which certainly includes the wild plants common to our areas. Developing an appreciation for these 'weeds' makes them much more tolerable in our landscapes, and much less work and worry for us as gardeners!! Please enjoy and share this wonderful resource gifted to us through a charitable organization to support the work of Ken and Addy Fern! Blessings:)
