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Autumn Olive is another invasive species brought to the US from Asia for erosion control. Introduced in the 1830s as an ornamental plant that could provide habitat and food to wildlife, autumn olive was widely planted by the Soil Conservation Service as erosion control near roads and on ridges. While the shrub does provide a tasty fruit for wildlife and yourself, the plant’s positive qualities are quickly outweighed by its rapid and uncontrollable spread across forest edges, roadsides, meadows and grasslands, where it displaces native plants.
Autumn olive can grow 20 feet tall and 30 feet wide. Its leaves are elliptically shaped and have a distinct shimmery look on the underside of the leaves. Its flowers are bell-shaped usually a cream or pale yellow that bloom in the early spring. The flowers bring on red berries dotted with silver scales, which has led the plant to also be known as silverberry. So, why is it a problem? Like most alien plants, autumn olive outcompetes and displaces native plants by shading them out or changing the chemistry of the soil around it. Autumn olive’s nitrogen-fixing root nodules allow the plant to grow in even the most unfavorable soils. Once it takes root, it is a prolific seed producer, creating 200,000 seeds from a single plant each year. Birds eat the fruit and will spread the seeds far and wide. This highly invasive shrub is hard to control and get rid of, however, with patience and consistency you can prevent the spread. You can do this by hand pulling the seedlings or using herbicides on the mature shrub after cutting it down. Autumn olive, also known as silverberry or autumnberry, is a plant that belongs to the scientific family Elaeagnaceae. This deciduous shrub is native to Asia and was introduced to North America in the 19th century. Since then, it has become naturalized in many parts of the United States. Habitat and Description Autumn olive thrives in a variety of habitats, including open fields, forest edges, and disturbed areas. It is known for its ability to adapt to different soil types and climates. This shrub can grow up to 20 feet in height and has silvery-green leaves with a distinctive silver underside. In the autumn, it bears small, red berries that are rich in nutrients. Parts Used Various parts of the autumn olive plant are used for different purposes. The berries, which are tart and slightly sweet, can be harvested and used in culinary creations such as jams, jellies, and sauces. The leaves and bark of the plant have also been utilized in traditional medicine. Planetary Influence There is very little folklore available for autumn olive, however, tencrowns on Tumblr did their own magical profile and suggests there could be a few astrological associations related to this shrub. Mars - tough and thorny Mercury - prolific reporiductive ability and high level of nutrition in such small fruits Air - Autumn olive won’t thrive if it can’t see the sky. My personal suggestions would be the shrub itself is masculine in nature due to it’s prolific nature and could be used in fertility magic. In terms of planetary influence, the autumn olive is associated with the element of Earth. Its resilient nature and ability to grow in diverse conditions symbolize stability and grounding. Medicinal Qualities Autum olives are highly nutritious and are an excellent source of the antioxidant lycopene as well as vitamins A, C, and E. When compared with tomatoes, another fruit high in lycopene, autumn olive comes out on top with 54 mg compared to the tomato’s 26 mg. Ashley Adamant over at Practical Self Reliance shares because of their high lycopene content (like tomatoes) forager friends have crafted their own autumn olive ketchup recipes which can be found on her website. I’m all about using food as medicine so this will be a recipe I will need to try. You can eat the berries fresh, but the taste can be intensely astringent and cause stomach upset for some people. Traditionally, the berries make delicious jam, jelly, sauce, fruit leather, and wine. According to Northeast Superfoods, there is a fringe movement to poularize autumn olive consumption in the US. The plant is naturally resilient, requires no pesticides or fertilizers, and can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. Autumn olives can help replenish depleted soil and could be grown organically with little labor while potentially improving soil conditions. Foraging for autumn olives takes a good amount of seeds out of “circulation” and there is a lot of potential benefit for the environment if we would start eating more autumn olives. Autumn Olive Jam Ingredients: - 4 cups autumn olive berries - 1 cup sugar - 1 tablespoon lemon juice Instructions: 1. Rinse the berries and remove any stems or leaves. 2. In a saucepan, combine the berries, sugar, and lemon juice. 3. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries soften and release their juices. 4. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the mixture thickens. 5. Remove from heat and let the jam cool. 6. Transfer the jam to sterilized jars and seal tightly. 7. Store in the refrigerator for up to several weeks or use a proper canning method for longer shelf life. Remember, when foraging or using wild plants, always ensure proper identification and sustainable harvesting practices. Autumn olive is a fascinating plant that offers a range of uses and connections to various aspects of human culture. Whether enjoyed for its culinary delights, explored for its medicinal qualities, or revered for its spiritual and magical associations, this versatile shrub continues to captivate and inspire.
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Black walnut, known by its scientific name Juglans nigra, is a majestic tree that holds great significance in various aspects of our lives. Found primarily in North America, this tree belongs to the Juglandaceae family. With its distinct characteristics and rich history, black walnut has become an integral part of our culture, both in practical and spiritual realms.The black walnut tree is one of North America’s most valuable and beautiful native trees, but it does have a “dark side.”
The easily worked, close-grained wood of black walnut has long been prized for furniture due to its attractive color and durability. It’s logs are in such demand for veneer that “walnut rustlers” have made off with trees in the dead of night and even used helicopters in their operations. When surrounded by other trees in the forest, black walnuts grow straight and tall with few, if any, lower branches. When planted in the open, however, the tree will branch out closes to the ground, developing a spreading shape that makes it easier to harvest its nuts. Settlers snacked on the nutritious walnuts out of hand, added them to soups and stews, and ground them into meal for baking; the hard shell provided a perfect package for storing the nuts over winter. Although the black walnut has many uses and benefits, the tree does come with a caveat: the black walnut’s roots, which may extend 50 feet or more from the trunk, exude a natural herbicide known as juglone. This substance is also found in the trees’s leaves and fruit husk. Juglone does serve a purpose, though. It inhibits many plants’ growth under and around the tree, thereby limiting the tree’s competition, leaving more water and nutrients for itself. In spite of this, black walnut make great shade trees for larger properties. They commonly grow to 50 feet or taller and about as wide. If you’re willing to crack the outer shell, the “meat” inside is edible. The sweet, earthy nutmeat inside is well worth the effort. Pro walnut harvesters have been known to eat them raw, add to baked goods, or even ground into meal for a unique flour. You will want to collect the nuts as soon as possible to avoid mold and remove the husks immediately. Just be mindful because husks can stain everything. After they are husked using your preferred method, dry the walnuts for a couple of weeks on a screen or drying rack or in a hanging mesh bag. You can store unshelled nuts up to a year. Allos freshly removed nutmeat to dry for a day before storing. Habitat and Description Black walnut trees thrive in a variety of habitats, ranging from moist valleys and stream banks to upland slopes and rich bottomlands. They are commonly found in the eastern and central regions of the United States, as well as parts of southern Canada. Standing tall and proud, black walnut trees can reach heights of up to 100 feet, with a trunk diameter of about 2-3 feet. The tree's bark is dark and deeply furrowed, while its leaves consist of 15-23 leaflets arranged in an alternate pattern. During autumn, the leaves turn a vibrant yellow, creating a picturesque scene. Parts Used Different parts of the black walnut tree have been utilized for various purposes throughout history. The most notable part is the walnut itself, which is enclosed in a thick, green husk. Inside, the walnut shell protects the edible kernel. The wood of black walnut trees is highly valued for its strength and beauty, often used in furniture making and woodworking. Planetary Influence In astrology, black walnut is associated with the planet Mercury. Mercury is known for its influence on communication, intellect, and agility of the mind. The energy of black walnut is believed to enhance mental clarity, wisdom, and quick thinking. Associated Deities and Heroes Black walnut holds significance in several mythologies and folklore. In Greek mythology, the goddess Artemis, protector of the wilderness and animals, is often associated with the black walnut tree. Additionally, the hero Hercules is said to have used a black walnut club during his legendary feats. Festival Associations While black walnut does not have specific festivals dedicated to it, its presence is often celebrated during harvest festivals and nature-centered events. These occasions honor the bountiful gifts of nature and recognize the importance of trees in our lives. Medicinal Qualities The hulls of black walnuts have antifungal properties and inhibit bacterial growth, so they’re often used to treat extra-tough skin problems. Black walnut is also used as a natural dewormer for livestock and humans. The nut meat itself is nutritious and a natural food to add to a heart-healthy diet. The green hulls can be collected and infused with alcohol or oil to make a tincture or salve. The salve made out of the green hulls may be helpful for athlete’s foot, toenail infections, psoriasis, ring worm, and other skin ailments. If you have a mystery skin ailment and aren’t allergic to nuts - black walnut salve is always worth a try! Black walnut tincture is used externally to treat warts, psoriasis, impetigo or fungal infections/rashes. It’s also considered a natural source of iodine, so some apply it daily to their skin for potential thyroid benefits. Using the tincture internally is helpful for parasites and especially helpful if traveling to an area with bat water. Herbalist Michael Moore in his book, The Earthwise Herbal, recommends a low dose of 1 to 3 drops, 1 to 3 times per day. Don’t take for extended period of time or if pregnant. If hulls aren’t available, or you need something fast, try using the leaf instead. Use walnut leaf infusion similar to a wound wash or dilute iodine wash. It can also be used or irritated or inflamed areas. You can also make a poultice from fresh leaves. Simply mash or chew up some leaves and apply to bug bites, scrapes, or to stop mior bleeding. Spiritual and Energetic Uses Black walnut is considered a “masculine” tree associated with the elements of fire and the sun. Culpepper, in his Complete Herbal, writes, “This is a plant of the sun. Let the fruit of it be gathered accordingly, which as the most virtual whilst green, before it shells. In American Hoodoo tradition, walnut leaves and nuts are used to put jinxes on people. Walnut are also used to “fall out of love”; Yronwode in her Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic describes a ritual where you make a tea of nine black walnuts (husk and all) boiled in three quarts of water; boiling it till the water evaporates down to 1 quart. You bathe in this water, renouncing ties to the former love, and then throw the water out at a crossroads or against the tree. This kind of bath is not one for the bathtub but usually done in a smaller tub. Again, we see this expelling or removing quality associated with the walnut. Cunningham writes of walnut being tied to mental powers, infertility, health, and wishes. He suggests witches danced beneath walnut trees in Italy during secret rites-although he does not say why. He suggests that carrying a walnut can strengthen the heart and ward off rheumatism. If you are given a bag of walnuts, you will have your wishes fulfilled. People can place walnuts leaves around the head (or in a hat) to prevent headaches or sunstroke. Cunningham also suggests that a woman who wanted to remain childless after marriage could place walnuts in her bodice on her wedding day-each walnut represents one year of being childless. Unfortunately, that sums up what most sources say about the magical use of walnut, however, I believe we can get lots of insight exploring the lore around this tree. Magical Uses Drawing upon all of the above folklore and material, Dana O’ Driscoll from The Druid’s Garden, proposes the following magical themes and uses for the walnut tree: Walnut as a container for many things and protector: The stories of Thumbelina, Boots and his brothers, and Tom Thumb all speak to the the magical nature of the walnut to contain or hold those small things which might get lost. There is a long tradition of hiding or keeping things safe within a walnut which speaks to the protective quality that walnuts have. One of the ways we might see this is using a visualization of walnut surrounding us to protect us. You can also use a whole walnut as a protective object to carry. Walnut as an expeller: Just as walnut has its protective “within” quality, it also has a very strong “expelling” quality without. Through its very nature of producing juglone, walnut naturally expells things away. Some medicinal qualities expel parasites from the body and given all the parallels, it’s reasonable to connect these to the spirit world as a form of boundary protection. For example, you could plant walnuts around a property or take a bit of walnut tincture to work to remove something unwanted like sadness etc. Walnut and gratitude: The long history of people “beating” walnuts to make them grow better and the problem of over-harvesting the walnut teaches us an important lesson in gratitude. We humans are so quick to take without consideration: The walnut reminds us of the important lesson of honoring the earth, harvesting that which is offered but doing so in kindness, respect, and care for the living earth. Folklore Walnut Cracker (Native American): Walnut was an important food source for Native Americans; it was also used for talking sticks and flutes. In one story, a man is known as “walnut cracker” who was always cracking walnuts (which makes sense, giving how difficult they are to crack!). Even after Walnut Cracker died, his spirit continued to crack walnuts and would scare people so much that their sickness or illness would disappear. This shows up in several stories in the South East Native American tribes. Again, here is that same expelling quality–this time, the spirit of Walnut Cracker removes sickness or illness through his very presence. The Wise Walnut: Hermit Philosopher. In Georgian Folk Tales by Marjory Waldrop (1894), a wise man who lived in solitude came to a old walnut tree in his garden. He questioned why the walnut tree was so tall, growing for over 100 years, yet never producing bigger fruit, while the melons and pumpkins on the ground were so massive. He thought about it, eventually falling asleep under the walnut tree. A few nuts rain down from the tree, and he marvels in how his head would have been “broken” if not for the small size of the walnut. In this tale, we see the walnut offering wisdom. Small Beings and Things Hidden in Walnut Shell. In the traditional story of Thumbelina, a woman who wants a tiny daughter visits a witch and gets some magic barley-corn. From this corn sprouts a flower, and within the flower is Thumbelina. The woman gives Thumbelina a beautifully polished walnut shell (my guess is an English walnut) for a cradle. Thumbelina is later whisked away, shell and all, by an ugly toad. Thumbelina’s tale is quite similar to Tom Thumb, who also lives in a walnut shell due to his tiny size. In another tale, called Puddocky, the princes of the kingdom are given a magical mission of finding a small dog that can fit comfortably in a walnut shell, among other tasks, to become the king’s heir. In yet another story, a walnut contains a wasp whose sting is made of a diamond; and the walnut can contain the wasp within. In another tale, this one from Popular Tales from the Norse by George Webbe Dasnet (1904), we hear the tale of “Boots and his Brothers.” A king in the land has offered his daughter and half his kingdom if the ancient oak (that grows each time it gets taken to the axe) can be felled and a well dug to hold water. As John (Boots) walks in the forest, he finds a magic ax, a magic pick, and a walnut that spills forth water. He takes these things up, plugging the hole in the walnut shell with a bit of moss. He is able to fell the tree, dig the well, and fill it with water from the walnut—thus securing half the kingdom and the princess. In each of these tales, something important or precious is kept safe within the hard shell of the walnut, suggesting some protective qualities. Here's a simple recipe for black walnut brownies Ingredients: - 1 cup black walnuts, chopped - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Instructions: 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan. 2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. 3. In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. 4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. 5. Fold in the chopped black walnuts. 6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. 7. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. 8. Allow the brownies to cool before cutting into squares. Enjoy! Remember, black walnut trees are a valuable part of our natural environment and should be respected and preserved. Their beauty, medicinal qualities, and spiritual significance make them a true treasure in the world of plants. Take a moment to appreciate the wonders of black walnut and the intricate connections it holds with our history and culture. |
AuthorCaitlin is a full-time special education teacher with a penchant for the wyrd. When she isn't hanging out with the coolest kids, she's out in her garden tending to her herbs or frolicking with her 2 goats, 40 chickens, 6 ducks, 2 turkeys, 2 dogs, and 6 cats. She understands it's a hoarding situation at this point, but life is too short to worry about boring things like that. Archives
May 2024
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