Categories
Wildflowers of Texas

Curlycup Gumweed (Grindelia Squarrosa)

A Short-Lived Perennial Curlycup Gumweed (Grindelia Squarrosa) pushes out of the ground near the end of July and comes in to bloom mid August.

by: Bee For Life Foundation

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Curlycup Gumweed (Grindelia Squarrosa)
Curlycup Gumweed (Grindelia Squarrosa)

Preferring dry, disturbed and overgrazed pastures, Curlycup gumweed will take advantage of barren and moist areas as well.

Forming pure stands in waste places, depleted rangelands along roadsides and railroad tracts. Thriving in drought conditions from seaside to 8,ooo feet in elevation.

Curlycup Gumweed (Grindelia Squarrosa)
Curlycup Gumweed (Grindelia Squarrosa)

Curlycup Gumweed is unpalatable to livestock due to the high amounts of tannins, resin and volatile oils. Yet, this weed / wildflower provides many benefits for both Humans and Insects.

Marking the start of our Fall nectar flow Curlycup Gumweed provides protein and carbohydrates which is needed by all bees to stay strong through Winter. Curlycup’s gummy resin is full of anti-microbial Turpenes used by Honey bees to create Propolis.

Curlycup Gumweed (Grindelia Squarrosa)
Curlycup Gumweed (Grindelia Squarrosa)

Human health benefits of Grindelia Squarrosa

Educational information, always consult your Doctor before using Gumweed!

American Indians would collect the leaves and flowering heads, these would be dried and made into a strong tea. This tea was used for many types of Lung problems.

Gumweed protects the Lungs and is an expectorant helping to clear the lungs of infections. It is also known the the medical community for it’s ability to relieve asthma while reducing swelling of the lungs.

Curlycup gumweed resin was also used to treat raw skin and saddle sores by Native American Indians.

Curlycup gumweed was known for it’s health benefits by early American settlers and is still being study by many Universities in North America.

Such a wonderful weed that can be used for health and healing by both Insect and Human. The next time you see it, get you some of the flower heads just in case COVID- 19 shows it’s ugly head.

Categories
Planting For Pollinators

Devil’s Claw Many Benefits

Considered a weed and despised by Farmers and Ranchers. Learn more about Devil’s Claw Many Benefits.

Written by

Bee For Life Foundation

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Devil's Claw Many Benefits
Devil’s Claw Many Benefits

Devil’s Claw, otherwise known as Unicorn plant, Boot catcher, Devil’s horn, Hoof hooker and Ram’s horn has the scientific name Proboscidea parviflora.

This plant has large spade like leaves and thick stems that quickly suck up moisture and holds it to keep the plant hydrated during the long hot summer months.

Devil's Claw Many Benefits
Devil’s Claw Many Benefits

Being a Native plant to the south west it provides a source of protein and carbs for Honey bees and Native bees. Devil’s claw blooms just in time to help pollinators in the summer dearth (a time of no blooms or limited blooms).

Furthermore, Wild Turkey, Deer and sheep will graze the young flower heads when fresh grazing is not available. Devil’s claw is resilient and will produce more heads after grazing.

Devil's Claw Many Benefits
Devil’s Claw Many Benefits

It’s trumpet like flower has a runway for bees to follow to the flowers sexual organ, aiding pollination.

Young, tender seed pods are edible for humans akin to Okra, just a bit more bitter. Wash your pods with water and boil for 2 minutes. After boiling you can saute them in butter for a wild treat. Seed from the wooden seed pod can be ground and used as flour or flour additive.

Medicinal are as follows, PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE USING DEVIL’S CLAW.

Tubers and roots are dried and ground for use in many over the counter dietary supplements. Some say that Devils Claw has helped with migraine headaches, back pain, gout, arthritis and chest pain to name a few.

Remember, when it comes to wild foods do your own research and always consult your Doctor.

This post is for educational purposes only.