[Scpg] the story on two common Central Coast weeds...

[LBUZZELL at aol.com]

It's always interesting to research the properties of various local "weeds" 
 to see if they serve any function.  Scarlet Pimpernel and Crane's Bill  
Geranium are everywhere right now (probably in your garden too), and are both  
pretty plants when they're young -- one has tiny orange blossoms, and the 
other  has tiny pink ones.  Here's what I've been able to find out about them 
 (Plants for a Future is a great website, and of course wikipedia as well, 
which  has pictures.)  It's amazing how much botanical power is contained in 
these  tiny, overlooked plants.
 
I haven't been able to determine yet if the flowers and nectar are used by  
local insects or birds.
 
Happy Gardening,
Linda
 
 
SCARLET PIMPERNEL, Anagallis arvensis. See 
_http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anagallis_arvensis_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anagallis_arvensis)   Uses 
include: the plant is a barometer of weather pressure and indicator of  light 
soils. Plants For a Future says the leaves may be edible, but cautions  
that this may not be wise for a variety of reasons. They also discuss the  
medicinal properties of the plant, which explain in part why it's not wise to  
eat it: "The scarlet  pimpernel was at one time highly regarded as a 
medicinal herb, especially in the  treatment of epilepsy and mental problems…but 
there is little evidence to  support its efficacy and it is no longer 
recommended for internal use because it  contains toxic saponins and cytotoxic 
cucurbitacins… The whole herb is  antitussive, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, 
expectorant, nervine, purgative,  stimulant and vulnerary… It can be taken 
internally or applied externally as a  poultice… An infusion is used in the 
treatment of dropsy, skin infections and  disorders of the liver and gall 
bladder…The plant is best harvested in June and  can be dried for later use… 
Use with caution…large doses can cause polyuria and  tremor… A homeopathic 
remedy is made from the plant… It is used internally to  treat itchy skins 
and externally to remove warts." 
CRANE'S BILL GERANIUM. Geranium molle & G. rotundifolium. Tiny pink flower. 
 Whorl of circular palmate leaves. Pretty when small but becomes large, 
seedy,  weedy. _http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geranium_molle_ 
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geranium_molle)   Historically reputed to have medicinal  
benefits. Also, Plants For a Future website says this "plant is considered to be 
anodyne,  astringent and vulnerary."
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