Name that weed?

[delmar]

lambsquarters are high in oxalic acid, so be aware of that. Could be better to have `lamsquarter sprouts' instead.

Why not buy a simple weed book, or do a google search for `edible weeds' and see what comes up. l find it is helpful.

yes yes, weed books are great, and who could get by without google, but I thought this would be fun. Plus those tools are easier to use if you have more clues to work with.

Other good weeds are cheese weed and stinging nettle (makes a nice flavour in your juice).

[delmar]

RE pics ---it might be helpful if we could see the scale of the plant....Like put an apple next to it or describe how tall it is, for example.

Mary Kay

good idea

[Raw Angel Mom]

I find that many plants look exactly like these when they growth. I am not even sure they are the goldenrod like mentioned. You will have to find an expert in your area. I would definitely not touch it unless sure at 100%. Can you find the plant that are toxic in your area and study those first. If you find out what they are, let us know.

All the best!

[The Sproutarian (Mr Raw)]

This thread could shape up to be very interesting end educational indeed. l hope it's a beauty! Weed education is always a golden jewel to have.

[streetsurfer]

This thread is a fine idea and I believe it can show us all how to use available tools to help identify. It's a good starting point to help learn that process. Some good points have already been made towards that, such as using a size referrence to show growth habits, and what the sap is like.The tidbits about nutrients, oxalic acid, storage, and use....all good stuff to know.

I have bookmarked, several plant identification sights, and used to frequent them alongside different regional University Extension office sights. It will be interesting to see the different weeds and plants various areas have to contend with. I use a poster of common turf weeds, books on the control of them, etc. but then I come from a turf applicator and turf maintenance background. I now find I often struggle with whether to treat a weed in my own lawn, or allow it to grow for medicinal or food purposes. For instance, I recently deadheaded a Red Clover so it would produce more blooms, rather than eradicating it. I plan to, and have already made tea from it. Three days ago I spot sprayed my lawn including a bed of ribbon grass to knock out thistles that took it over while I was away. Now I wish I had harvested them first, then treated the stalks only. Pulling is the preferred cultural practice to integrated pest management, but it was out of control being what it was, a prickly heavily invasive pest, and was hiding the beautiful contrast the ribbon grass provides against the lawn.

Yesterday before I found this thread, I'd checked out a book at the library on the natural control of common pests and weeds. Ironically, since I have an interest in finding and logging names that have to do with a persons career, it fit right in. The authors name is Flowerdew, lol. (Like Dr. Toe-a podiatrist, Micheal Pollan-a botanist. Dr. Limb-a hand specialist, Sarah Vowell-an author, etc.)

Much of the edible and medicinal part of plant use their lore is new to me. I will learn much through this. Although, growing up with a library of Rodale books nearby (another hint for sources of identification materials), had lots of valuable information in them regarding plants as cures. As this progresses I may share some links to plant identification sights that were valuable to me in my field. I won't say I was out-standing in my field, but I often found myself standing out there, nonetheless.

I think you Delmar are an outstanding member.....thanks for your contributions to the forum.

[MysticTree]

Only just been able to get fresh battery charge for mobile. What you call lambs quarters I call orache. I don't think the first picture is golden rod. The plant with the big leaves, do you mean burdock or coltsfoot perhaps?

[delmar]

Only just been able to get fresh battery charge for mobile. What you call lambs quarters I call orache.

Here in the states, lambsquarter is also called goosefoot and pigweed. It is a member of the amaranth family.

I don't think the first picture is golden rod.

Yes, I think you are right. Since I got to looking at the photos I found another patch of weeds that I am certain are goldenrod. So the first weed I pictured is either something completely different or another variety of goldenrod

The plant with the big leaves, do you mean burdock or coltsfoot perhaps?

[streetsurfer]

Burdock is correct.

[delmar]

I don't have a pic tonight (maybe tomorrow) but I will pose the question looking for an answer. I know it.....

What weedy plant has huge leaves of 1-2 feet in width/length, with seeds that will attach to your clothing or your pets fur and were the inspiration for a modern day fastener, and of which one can we eat the roots for it's blood cleansing and diuretic properties (sold in some stores and even has a soda made from it)?

I knew what you were talking about right away, but it took me a little bit to track down the name of it. You are talking about common burdock



The articles I have found say that the roots and young leaves are edible. Is anyone here certain if it is OK to juice the whole plant?

[MysticTree]

Plants for a future database is very useful if you don't already use it.

[SunshineMN]

That's a cool site MT. I looked up burdock root on there and it said you can sprout the seeds and use them like bean sprouts. It also said it was one of the foremost detoxifying herbs in chinese and western medicine.

In the future maybe it will be possible to upload a picture of our weeds and let the computer identify or at least give suggestions about what they might be.

[MysticTree]

it will be interesting to know what the sprouted burdock tastes like if you try them. I think with those prickly seed cases you might have to grow them as micro-greens.

[streetsurfer]

"In the future maybe it will be possible to upload a picture of our weeds and let the computer identify"

There is supposed to be a phone app available or in the works for this. I have heard a little about it but not seen it. You simply scan a leaf. I heard it's concept was thought of by a young teen iirc, and developed with the help of others.

Speaking of youth and plants, I've also see youtube videos of a young teen who has come up with a way to naturally eradicate Kudzu vine from the south where it is such a bane. Something about injecting an inert gas into the soil, iirc. Been a while since I came a cross it.....Go Kids!

[delmar]

it will be interesting to know what the sprouted burdock tastes like if you try them. I think with those prickly seed cases you might have to grow them as micro-greens.

I could be wrong, but I think you would open the prickly seed case and take the seeds out.

[MysticTree]

I could be wrong, but I think you would open the prickly seed case and take the seeds out.

you might but I'd not be going that route. Too fiddly.