Tiny but Amazing! Yellow Woodsorrel

   It seems as if every tiny bloom is catching my eye these days.  Perhaps it is a subconscious yearning for spring or maybe it is pure boredom with being isolated for so very long but I find I am drawn to the tiny plants.  It could be that I am feeling small and insignificant and so can relate to the wee things in nature.  Still, the wildflowers of the area are the focus of my spare time, as of late.  Today as Son and I were planting lemon trees, I found a tiny bloom beneath the plum tree.  Ahh, wood sorrel!  What a grand find!  I pointed out my discovery to Son and tried to explain why I was almost giddy.  He tolerates my silliness for which I am highly grateful.  

  The finding of the common wood sorrel was not an earth-shaking thing but did bring a smile.  I tried to recall what Granddad had told me about the plant.  (As the youngest of five, I was often in my grandparents' care as Mom had her hands full with the farm duties and the other four siblings.  To entertain me, Granddad taught me so many useful things about plants, critters, woodworking, home repairs, toy making, etc.  You name it and he covered it!)  Since I am aging, I do not totally depend on the teachings but do check things to reinforce the lessons.  More oft than not, Granddad was correct.  The common wood sorrel is entirely edible...roots, stalk, leaves, blooms and seeds!  The plant also has a myriad of medicinal uses, too.  Folk medicine says that yellow wood sorrel is useful in treating stomach issues, sore throats and mouth ulcers.  I wonder??

  One of the quotes I remember Granddad often saying was "For every illness, there is a cure somewhere in nature."  It seems he knew his stuff!  As I am delving more and more into the plants of our area, I am learning that those often overlooked plants are the most amazing.  It has occurred to me that perhaps I should forgo the showy garden centers and simply encourage what grows naturally.