Join Charles for a Las Vegas Edible and Medicinal Plant Walk

When: Saturday, February 25th, 9am-12noon

Where: Foothills surrounding Las Vegas

Meet-up: At 9am we’ll assemble in the Albertson’s (grocery store) parking lot (far east side, next to N Soaring Gulls Dr). Albertson’s address: 8350 W Cheyenne Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89129.

Additional: To the casual observer, barren and inhospitable. To the knowing, bountiful and useful. Crafted and shaped by the environment’s extreme influence, the Mojave Desert supports an array of utilitarian plants. Chaparral (aka Creosote bush) is here. A dominant long-lived perennial, in some circles, its medicinal application borders on panacea. However, with the use of critical thinking (and research application) we can clarify and refine the good (therapeutic) from the bad (toxic). The delightfully-scented Purple sage, a Mint-family powerhouse is present. Aromatic terpenes, its principal agent, are antimicrobial, diaphoretic, and carminative. Another mainstay of the area – Mormon tea (Ephedra spp.) is locally abundant. Chemically interesting, the plant’s influence is not solely dependent upon a tannin/flavonoid set. Western species have a sub-central-nervous-system stimulatory effect, likely due to low levels of ephedrine-like alkaloids.

Nutrition-providers abound. All Cacti have edible fruit (and other parts), some taster than others. Timing and processing are important factors in deriving nutrition from an otherwise painful experience. Two Yucca species (Joshua tee is a Yucca) are Mojave-abundant. One is best as a stem food, the other, fruit. Both are calorie providing. A couple species of Carrot family Lomatium (Springparsley) are making their seasonal appearances. The roots are parsnip-like, although a bit fibrous. Edible, but transitory. Once higher temperatures arrive, foliage fades, leaving no trace until it renews again next year.

All in all, I’ll touch on 20-25 edible/medicinal/poisonous plants.

Mini Book Signing: After we finish, I’ll have a book signing at the cars for anyone who wants to purchase a book (or bring your own copy for me to sign). I’ll have these titles available:

• Medicinal Plants of the American Southwest (covers low elevation SW plants)
• Medicinal Plants of Western Mountain States (covers high elevation SW/Western plants)
• Wild Edible Plants of Nevada