Photography: Prairie Plants

Above is Echinacea, which is in full bloom right now. It is an immune system stimulant. Usually, the root is used and harvested in the fall when root energy is concentrated down into storage for the winter. But, the flowers and leaves are also medicinal. Right now is the best time to harvest those plant parts. I love the bee's wings in this photographs. She also has a smaller friend!

This is St. John's Wort of which on the Sanctuary there are many varieties growing in various locations. This one is found in the open prairie. It is a great plant for depression. When you make a tincture of it, the menstrum turns purple! It is the ultimate summer energy plant--capturing sun, sunshine, light energy. Something needed in the heart of winter when our moods are down..

Stalk and leaf of Teasel. I don't know what it's medicinal qualities are, if it has any.

The flowers (which i think is actually a ton of really small flowers, are purple and in full swing right now.

These last two are of chicory. I have been loving to watch this plant cycle in and out its flowers as it rains or the weather changes. Especially early in the morning, contrasted with the Queen Anne's Lace around it, produces beautiful colors in the prairie. Chicory root can be used as a coffee substitute. But, this is the wrong time to harvest the root, especially these flowering plants.