Plant of the Month May, 2007
Artwork by Suzy Norris
Some people have spirit animals, I have a spirit plant and that is Mullein. I enjoy its proud nature and soft grey green leaves. The leaves make an enjoyable tobacco substitute for smoking, the flowers make a good tea for insomnia and the seeds add a nutty flavor to corn bread.
The Mulleins (Verbascum) are a genus of about 250 species of flowering plants in the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). They are native to Europe and Asia, with the highest species diversity in the Mediterranean region.
Mullien has been a herbal favorite for respiratory ailments for thousands of years. In addition to being an effective expectorant, it sooths the throat, and helps stop the muscle spasms that trigger coughs. An oil made from mullien flowers is used for earache. Mullien is a great remedy for asthma, bronchitis, and coughs.
April, 2007
Minor’s Lettuce is a sweet little California native. It is the Terra Nova mascot because it spreads itself easily, it’s native, it’s useful and fits well into an edible landscape! All attributes of Terra Nova.
Miner’s Lettuce was used by pioneers and Native Americans as an herb and for salads.
It is a member of the Portulaca Family. It typically grows in shady moist areas at altitudes between 2,500 and 7,500 feet. Leaves at the ends of the stalks are green and circular (to 2″ in diameter) with a small, white flower growing from the center. Other leaves of the plant are more oblong in shape. Flowers bloom between February and May.