Are bug holes of any concern?

[AnnettStudent]

My hollyhock leaves have loads of holes in them from ants or some other bug I still need to identify. Is there any concern in using leaves with holes from bugs or are they just holier than whole leaves? 🙂

[IdahoHerbalist]

As long as they are not covered in bug feces or other contaminants they should be OK. You just need to make sure that the plant is not being attacked because it is diseased or weak for some reason. Is it the only plant or is it the only plant in a stand that is being attacked?

[AnnettStudentTopic Author]

All my hollyhocks have been attacked.

[IdahoHerbalist]

That is still not a for sure sign of plant issues. It is a sign that something really likes the plants though… and that they are not attacking something else!!!!! :yahoo:

You will need to look into it further and decide if they are good enough for your own personal use. If they are in flower it is probably not the best time to harvest, except for the flowers, anyway.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Bugs need medicine too. 🙂

As long as the remaining tissue looks healthy and vibrant, I don’t worry about a few nibble marks.

Doc

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[IdahoHerbalist]

“Loads of holes” would be more than I would tolerate though.

[AnnettStudentTopic Author]

Ok, so I finally identified the bug on my hollyhocks (hollyhock weevil) and they also had rust due to too much moisture. I’m sure this is a novice question, but if a plant has rust problems and bug holes on the leaves would the roots be any good? If a plant has a problem in one part of it does it usually mean the whole goodness of the plant has been compromised?

[IdahoHerbalist]

Unless the problem is a systemic one ( a virus of some sort comes to mind ) then the roots are probably OK. Weak plants tend to attract these sorts of things so if you do plan on harvesting the roots take a good, close look at them.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Sometimes stressed plants actually make better medicine. Many of the chemicals we use medicinally are chemicals they are using to repel/kill/discourage pests.

Plant viruses have no impact whatsoever on human cells. So, as long as the material looks good, don’t worry about it. Nibbled leaves don’t negatively impact the plant’s medicinal properties.

If it looks like the bugs are winning, pick a different specimen. If it looks like the plant is being snacked on but doesn’t care, go ahead and use it.

Doc

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[IdahoHerbalist]

I agree, but STRESSED and WEAK would be the differentiating factor.

Like you said:

Stressed = plant is winning

Weak = bugs or disease is winning

[AnnettStudentTopic Author]

I’m so excited about my hollyhocks I have to post this. Because the weevil were just too much for my liking I cut the plants to the ground and burned them, weevils and all. They are growing back. The leaves are mostly perfect. And I’m sure the roots are still in tact:) Wahoo!

[IdahoHerbalist]

Nice experiment. :yahoo:

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Cool. 🙂

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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