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Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Black Sampson Time

The weather was nice today... warm and the wind was calm. I headed out for a walk to look for some Black Sampson (echinacea) in the pasture.
Everything is still brown and crunchy from the drought.

Came across an old feed bunk....





Prime black sampson hunting ground. :)



The plants are tricky to spot this time of the year. They are easy to spot when blooming but the best time to gather roots is after the blooms have died and before the ground freezes.



I only gather the roots... then scatter the seeds to replenish the area.



The old timers still gather the roots for winter. I was shown how to gather the roots years ago by a retired science teacher. He is a rancher and a good friend.... and soooooo interesting to hang out with. :)



One way to make sure you have the right plant, scratch the root with your pocketknife... look for the black color. A tiny piece will numb your tongue. :)
I use the roots in tea during the winter, when I feel a cold coming on.







Had to visit with the girls while I was out there...





a good nostril shot... :)



She's listening to me but refuses to turn around. Something has her attention..






I knew she heard me..... she's givin' me the look. :)

15 comments:

LindaG said...

Had to chuckle. What a look.
Interesting about the Black Sampson. That is something I would like to learn, not that I know if they have any in Louisiana.

Have a blessed day. :)

Unknown said...

What beautiful girls you have.
Great nostril shot too... :-)

cowgirl said...

:) Linda she seems to give me that look a lot!
I'm not sure if these plants grow in your area or not. They have been used for years.
Thanks!

cowgirl said...

Thank you KelRogers! I appreciate you stopping by too. :)

Mrs. JP said...

You had me fooled! I thought Black Sampson would be a cast iron smoker.
I wonder if that plant grows in the southeast. I have a neighbor who is a botanist and she is fun to hang out with as well. I'll ask her because I buy that tea all year long.
Who could pass those soft muzzles by without stopping to snuggle?
Hey, I've never seen a feed trough with wheels,,,my Dad always put them in the spot and there they lay. Wheels are a good idea.

Anonymous said...

That old feed bunk would make a great raised bed in my garden.

Triple T said...

Hay Jeanie trying to get this thing working lol

Triple T said...

Hay Jeanie I did it!! It's terrible being a old country boy with no computer skills.lol

Triple T said...

Ok. You can cook something and I'll make a comment.lol

cowgirl said...

Mrs JP, I do need to name my smokers. :)
I bet your friend and mine would get along great! It would be interesting to hear them discuss the use of wild plants. :)
Yeah those girls are always looking for someone to pet them.
Thanks!

cowgirl said...

Great idea Kirby! It would hold quite a few plants too.
Thanks! :)

cowgirl said...

Hey Mark! You got it to work... that's great! :)

cowgirl said...

Hey Mark you're getting good at it!! I'll cook something soon. lol Good to see ya. :)

Chris said...

Echinacea, that's that stuff they put in supplements that prevent colds, right?

cowgirl said...

Hi Chris! Yes it's the same stuff.
Hope you have a great weekend!