Identifying Herbs

[tjporter]

I found what I am pretty sure is mallow and purslane growing in my strawberry patch. Could you tell me if I’m right.

Also, when I was looking at those weeds, I found another, and so I snapped a picture to see if it was anything useful, or if I can pull it out.

Thanks!

Sorry – I tried to attach the pictures, but it tells me the file is too big. Do you have any suggestions – or an email I can send them to you?

[IdahoHerbalist]

Do you have photo editing software? You could reduce the size or resolution then post. You could also find an online hosting place like to put them on and then link to the picture. I think you should try one or all of those ideas first.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Yeah, put them on photobucket.com and send us a link.

Patrick

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

[tjporter]

Okay this is the first time I’ve tried photobucket. Hopefully you can see them in the link above!

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Yup. Looks like Mallow (Malva neglecta) with a nice bit of purslane growing behind it.

Pull that one up. If the root is red, it’s likely Redroot Pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus). There are more pictures of A. retroflexus here that you can use to compare.

The amaranths are edible. I haven’t tried them but have it on good authority that when prepared with soy sauce, the soy sauce is the good part.

As medicinals, Moore says they are mildly astringent (only the dry herb, the fresh stuff is useless as an astringent though the indian used the fresh leaves for wound dressings). Good for mild stomach and intestinal issues.

Make sure you never eat a wild plant knowing absolutely what you’ve got. Internet conversations are great but nothing beats a local expert on the scene. Just feed a bit of the plant in question to the local expert and watch for awhile to see what happens.

Patrick

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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