Prairie Redroot (Ceaothus herbaceus)

This is such a pretty plant and an early bloomer. We found a group of these growing back in the woods at an old home place. In my 30 years of studying wildflowers, I have only found it twice. It is also called Jersey Tea Root. It is a memberof the Buckthorn family. It blooms from March through May and his highly attractive to bees and butterflies.

During the American Revolution when supplies were scarce, the leaves were boiled to make a black tea. The massive root systems were dried and later used as fuel on buffalo hunts. The Chippewa used the tea for pulmonary troubles and constipation.  The Cherokee held roots on an aching tooth and it stopped the pain. They also made hot teas from the roots and took it for bowel problems. This plant has a lot of herbal qualities. As its name suggests, its roots are red.

"HE causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth."
Psalm 104:14 KJV