Member of Wood Sorrel Family
Blooms: March - May & October and November.
I posted this tiny little plant way back in the spring and now it is blooming again and just had to share it with everyone. The blooms are so tiny, about 1/2 inch and so delicate looking. The leaves are similar to that of the shamrock, dark green with 3 leaflets folding downward and purple underneath. Quite colorful and very showy.
The wood sorrels contain an oxalic acid in their leaves which can be quite toxic if consumed in large quantities. Though they have a sour taste and were once eaten by Native Americans, they can cause very violent convulsions when eaten in excess.
Many tribes brewed a tea which was used to use as a blood purifier and to boost the immune system, but it had to be brewed to perfection to prevent bad reactions. Cold teas were made to stop nausea and vomiting. The tiny lavender flowers were crushed and applied to areas to reduce swelling.
"For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who lived in error."
2 Peter 2:18
1 comment:
I see you're still finding flowers in spite of teh cold weather. I like the background on the church blog too--good job!
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