Wildcrafting!

Wildcrafting is the is the practice gathering plants and plant materials from their wild state. These plants and materials are usually harvested for food, medicinal use or for crafts. By "materials", I am referring to any part of the plant that can be used..sap, seeds, leaves, roots, etc. What designates a true "wildcrafter" is one that never harvests the entire plant but leaves some behind to reproduce in their natural habitat and one that tries to disturb nature in the least way possible when gathering for crafts. If it is necessary to take the entire plant, seeds are left behind in the same hole where the plant was removed. It is a matter of protecting and preserving what is there, a matter of respecting nature not abusing it.

Herbs are abundant in the wild and if properly identified can be harvested year round. This in mind, I was delighted to find quite a large patch of Water Hyssop in a boggy place behind my house. Granted Water Hyssop grows rampant and will take over if you allow it to do so, it still thrilled me beyond measure to be able to recognize this plant and have it so near. This herb is used as a medicinal herb than in the culinary sense. Water Hyssop is frequently used in herbal medicines to improve memory and is being tested as and anti-anxiety medicine. I have not tested either of these so I cannot attest to either's veracity. It tastes rather bitter so I am thinking it would be a good idea to mix it with something to improve the taste if it is used whole.

Water Hyssop is a pretty little plant that has thick succulent leaves and stems. It will bloom most of the year (at least in the South) making a tiny, bluish white flower. I have noticed that the butterflies seem to love this plant as do the honeybees and bumblebees. For that matter, the rabbits seem to enjoy being near this patch even though, as I said before, it has a bitter taste. (Maybe they are trying to improve their memories! Smart bunnies!) Water Hyssop is also grown as an aquarium plant and is used in ponds to provide hiding places for fish. Personally, I like the idea of using it in this method!

Try Wildcrafting. This can be done in your own backyard. Start by gathering things that you can use in crafts and then branch out to herbs and foods. Be sure to do research so you are sure of what you are harvesting. Do not eat anything until you have made a positive identification. Also, make sure to leave some behind to continue growing. It can be interesting to discover what is growing naturally underfoot or above your head. This would also be a very good lesson to teach children. Respect nature! It is there for all of us to enjoy as long as we take care not to destroy it.