![]() The sap freezes into fantastic ribbons forming mini-ice sculptures. Turner notes that the Kickapoo, as late as the 1970’s, were still using hot decoctions of the plant for near-term and post-partum issues, such as cleansing the womb and stanching excessive bleeding.”įrostweed gets its most commonly used name from the fact that with the first freeze, its stem splits and sap oozes out of the winged stem. Mat t Turner, in Remarkable Plants of Texas, attributes the name “squawweed” to a specific use for women. Native Americans- including the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek and Mikasuki Seminole- used the leaves to treat fever, chills and body aches, and they used the roots as a purgative to treat indigestion. Clary in Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine’s October 2012 issue says: “Frostweed has other names, including iceplant, white crownbeard, Indian tobacco and squawweed. Like many plants, especially our native plants, frostweed has several common names. Even a small group of frostweed plants may be covered with four or five Monarch butterflies on each flower. The blooms are large composites, dirty white, and (at least to me) rather drab, but obviously Monarchs, bees, and small wasps see beyond superficial beauty and flock to it in droves. It blooms in late September through October in Dallas, making it a perfect nectar plant for the migrating Monarchs. Native Americans would sometimes roll the leaves and smoke them like tobacco. It has large green leaves on a straight, winged stem. Because it can grow up to six feet tall, it is best to use it in the back of a border and in a more natural, rather than formal, landscape. It will grow in sun but prefers shade or part shade. Dale Clark, local butterfly rancher and founder of the Dallas County Lepidopterists’ Society, says that he has seen Monarch butterflies literally drop out of the sky when they see a patch of frostweed.įrostweed, a perennial, is a member of the sunflower family. It is such an exceptional nectar plant, drawing in not only Monarchs but also Pipevine Butterflies and Great Purple Hairstreaks, that it has been selected as monitoring plant by Monarch Watch. One of the Monarch’s favorite nectar plants is frostweed, Verbesina virginica. Enjoy its beauty as a dramatic landscape plant but harvest the spicy mustard flavored leaves for eating. Start outdoors in late September and continue growing until late spring. Red Giant Mustard gets two bonus points it has good cold tolerance and is more insect resistant than other varieties. Mexican Mint Marigold is a perennial that usually freezes to the ground in winter but reappears in spring. The real show-stopper attraction begins around late September when bright yellow, marigold-like flowers attract migrating butterflies and other pollinators. The distinctive anise flavored leaves can be harvested throughout its growing season from spring through frost. Plant it in a location that receives early morning to mid-day sun. It tolerates many different soil types but must have good drainage. Grow It, Use It – Mexican Mint Marigold can be planted in the garden after the danger of frost has passed. Savor every precious sight, smell and color of this magical season.Ī simple bouquet of Mexican Mint Marigold surrounded by the bold, deep red and purplish savoy leaves of Red Giant Mustard pair perfectly in an unassuming pedestal vase. Let nature speak to you in a soft, sweet seasonal whisper. Gathering your treasures is almost as joyful as placing them in a cherished vase. From soft whispers of golds and ochre to vibrant shades of burgundy and orange, fall arrangements lend themselves to a more simplistic style. Join me on a creative journey of discovery among the flowers and foliage of the season.īringing the natural world indoors reminds me, once again, that Autumn’s gifts never fail to bring happiness to my home. I’m immediately drawn to the garden where beauty abounds throughout. Spending one blissful day after another outdoors renews my spirit and encourages me to immerse myself fully in the shimmering days of October and November. I find myself truly enchanted, wanting the experience to linger beyond this moment in time. Landscapes bursting with brilliant color, leaves gently tumbling down from trees and pumpkins spilling out from the porch and into the yard welcome fall in all its glory. Brushing up against the plants, I yielded to the temptation and immediately tasted one of the delicate yellow blossoms surrounded by slender green leaves. ![]() It was the sweet, anise like fragrance of Mexican Mint Marigold that drew me into the garden on the morning of October 18th.
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