Food & Medicine
These are some basic ideas on uses for the plants in and around our watershed. Take these ideas and do your own research - there are a lot of sites out there that will go into great detail about the harvest and preparation of native plants. I add these here to hopefully inspire the idea that, beyond a beautiful place with diverse species, our home is actually full of many valuable and useful plants we may not be aware of.
Elderberry Tree
Usually near the water, several elderberry trees in our watershed are growing and produce a lot of fruit. This one is favored by the birds who seem to know when it's time and grab the berries quickly.
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Collecting Elderberries
In late summer, the berries start ripening to a deep blue, with a whitish bloom often seen on blueberries. A few bunches go a long way; clip them into a basket and sort at home, but leave some for the other wildlife. Do your research
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Cooking Elderberries
Most agree that it is best to cook elderberries, and not eat too many raw. Do your research. I like to boil mine down into a syrup, adding a few spices. I can make tasty ice cubes with this, or add it to spring water for a great drink, but I like to save some as a tincture since elders are known to be a great defense against an oncoming cold.
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More on Edible and Medicinal Plants
Some of our (many) Bay Laurel trees produce much more than their famously aromatic leaves. We have trees that each year are loaded with Bay Nuts, which look like tiny avocados and are actually related. When turning purple they are perfect, and the brown nut can be popped from it's avocado-like flesh. Roasted just right, they make a rich snack.
Wild Mushrooms come up here every fall. Not all are edible of course, and, it goes without saying don't pick and eat what you can't identify. But Sonoma County has a wonderful mycological association that leads free hikes through which you can start to learn.
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Look for smallish hazelnut trees and bushes in the shady woods, especially under the redwoods and along the streams. If you get one that sees sun, you'll be likely to get these hazelnuts each year. It's hard to beat the critters to them, but keep and eye out. If the nuts are big and the birds are starting to come down, grab your gloves and get picking. Hazelnuts can be eaten raw or roasted.
Soap root bulbs grow under a familiar plant in our open spaces and meadows. Native people used the inner white part of these bulbs for soap (it works great), glue, to stun fish, and even for food. What a combo! The brown bristles on the outer part of the bulb could be made into sturdy brushes.
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