Join Charles for a Cave Creek Edible and Medicinal Plant Walk
When: Sunday, November 19th, 9am to 12noon.
Where: Cave Creek area.
Meet-up point: 9am, meet up in the Bashas’ parking lot (closest to N Tom Darlington Dr). 36889 N Tom Darlington Dr, Carefree, AZ 85377.
Additional: The low-lying mountains that occasionally dot the Greater Valley harbor a mixture of sun-exposed and sheltered plant life.
The edible cacti are here: Saguaro, Barrel cactus, and Prickly pear. Some are more palatable than others, but for all, collection timing (season) and utilizable part are important factors to know.
The legume (bean) trees are common to the area. Mesquite, Paloverde, Ironwood, and Catclaw abound. Some should be processed before consumption, others are fine eaten fresh. Once properly approached, all are nutritionally fortifying.
Creosote bush thrives in the region. A medicinal powerhouse, its therapeutic use is noteworthy: venomous insect bites (check), sun-damaged skin (check), certain autoimmune inflammations (check), a number of viral conditions (check). However, its internal use should not be considered carefree. Learn how to use the plant, intelligently and safely.
Know your Nightshades: Datura and Tobacco are here. Topically the two are therapeutic (analgesic and antiinflammatory), but accidentally ingested? The situation could be considered emergency-room territory.
All in all I’ll touch on or discuss 25-30 species.
Mini Book Signing: After we finish, I’ll have a book signing at the vehicles for anyone who wants to purchase a book (or bring your own copy for me to sign). I’ll have these titles available to sign/purchase:
- Medicinal Plants of Western Mountain States (covers high elevation Arizona plants)
- Medicinal Plants of the American Southwest (covers low elevation Arizona plants)
- Wild Edible Plants of Arizona
- Sonoran Desert Food Plants