Hoosier Herb Chronicles: Summer's Green Bounty - July's Wild & Wonderful Weeds

Hello, fellow herb enthusiasts!

Can you believe we're already deep into July? The days are long, the sun is high, and our Indiana landscape is absolutely bursting with life. While many of us focus on our cultivated garden beds this time of year, let's not forget the incredible bounty that nature provides, right under our very noses – the wild herbs!
This month, the "weeds" of our fields and forests are at their peak, offering a wealth of culinary and medicinal possibilities. But remember, with wild harvesting comes great responsibility. Always be 100% sure of your identification, harvest sustainably, and avoid areas that may have been treated with chemicals. When in doubt, leave it out!
Here are a few Hoosier herbs thriving in July that you might want to get acquainted with:

1. Queen Anne's Lace (Daucus carota):

You've undoubtedly seen its delicate, lacy white flower heads gracing roadsides and open fields. This beautiful biennial is the wild ancestor of our cultivated carrot!

Culinary: The roots of young Queen Anne's Lace (first-year plants) are edible and taste like a milder, wild carrot. They can be cooked in soups and stews. The flower clusters, when dipped in batter and fried, make delicious fritters!

Medicinal: Traditionally, Queen Anne's Lace has been used for its diuretic properties. Important Note: Be absolutely certain you are identifying Queen Anne's Lace correctly, as it has highly poisonous lookalikes, most notably Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum), which has smooth, purple-spotted stems. Queen Anne's Lace has hairy stems and often a single dark purple floret in the center of its white flower head.

2. Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus):

Standing tall with its distinctive fuzzy, gray-green leaves and a stately stalk topped with yellow flowers, mullein is a striking presence in open, disturbed areas.

Medicinal: Mullein is a powerhouse for respiratory health. Its leaves and flowers are traditionally used to make teas for coughs, bronchitis, and congestion. The fuzzy leaves can be a bit irritating, so straining well is key. The flowers, infused in oil, are also a traditional remedy for earaches.

3. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa):

Also known as Bee Balm, this vibrant purple-flowered beauty is a magnet for pollinators and boasts a wonderful, minty-oregano scent.

Culinary: The leaves and flowers have a strong, aromatic flavor, reminiscent of oregano with a hint of mint. They can be used fresh or dried in teas, salads, or to season dishes.

Medicinal: Wild Bergamot has a long history of use for colds, flu, and digestive issues. Its antiseptic properties make it useful for sore throats and topical applications.

4. Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis):

While the berries are a late summer treat, the creamy white flower clusters of the Elderberry are in full bloom right now!

Culinary: Elderflowers have a delicate, sweet, and floral aroma. They are perfect for making refreshing cordials, syrups, and even sparkling elderflower wine. You can also dip them in batter and fry them for delightful fritters.

Medicinal: Elderflowers are known for their anti-inflammatory and diaphoretic (fever-reducing) properties, often used in cold and flu remedies.

A Few Foraging Reminders:

* Positive Identification is Paramount: Never consume anything you aren't 100% certain about. Invest in a good field guide specific to Indiana and consider going on guided foraging walks with experienced individuals.

* Harvest Sustainably: Only take what you need, leaving plenty for the plant to thrive and for wildlife. Avoid harvesting entire patches.

* Know Your Location: Avoid foraging near roadsides (car exhaust, salt, herbicides), industrial areas, or conventional agricultural fields that may use pesticides.

* Permission Matters: Always forage on public land where it's permitted, or obtain permission from private landowners.
So, as you enjoy these beautiful Hoosier summer days, take a moment to look beyond the cultivated and appreciate the wild wonders growing all around us.

Happy (and safe!) foraging!

What wild herbs are you noticing thriving in your Indiana neighborhood this July?

Wild Bergomot