It's a neglected beauty with a criminal record. A killer plant that is responsible for the deaths of a few overly curious teens, straying husbands and wives, several Native Americans and countless others who underestimated its deadly powers. What is this culprit of which I speak? None other than the seductively beautiful Datura stramonium, a.k.a. devil's weed, moonflower, Jamestown weed, ditch weed, stink weed, loco weed, mad hatter, green dragon, thorn apple, Downy Thornapple, zombie cucumber, angel's trumpet, devil's trumpet, devil's seed, mad apple, and tolguacha. That's a lot of names for a plant that made Georgia O'Keefe a heap of money. 
Jimson Weed, by Georgia O'Keefe
More commonly referred to as Jimson weed, this unassuming, though highly poisonous beauty is not only associated with bad trips and deadly consequences, it has served as origin of several catch phrases such as, "Red as a beet, dry as a bone, blind as a bat, mad as a hatter". This is probably because that's how you're gonna feel if you eat any part of this plant. Clearly, Jimson weed is one bad-ass botanical.
But how can such a good looking plant be so bad? Just think back to high school and remember which boys were ahem, "getting some." Yes it was the bad boys, or in the case of Jimson weed, a good looking plant that also gets some pretty bad press. But can it be reformed? Can we look at Jimson weed and not think of its dark side? Maybe not, but I hope that people don't become too discouraged from planting it in gardens, because the blooms really can take your breath away. Perhaps that was a wrong choice of words...
Jimson weed has an interesting history, as one would expect. It is native to India and was imported to Europe and later North America. It was a plant before it became known as a weed, and actually it's considered an annual herb that grows up to 5 feet tall, with pale green stems and spreading branches and leaves that are ovate shaped. The flower blooms are showy, coming in white or purple with a 5-pointed corolla up to four inches long. Their "evil" seeds are contained in a hard, spiny capsules, about 2 inches in diameter, which split into four parts when ripe. Some florists (you know I do) use the spiny pods in the fall to add new texture into designs. It blooms mid-summer to early fall, and its gorgeous flowers don't open up fully until around midnight and then close early in the morning, lasting only a single day. How sexy is that?
Jimson weed as an herb is where it gets its rep as a dangerous "tripping" flower. In ancient herbal medicine, it was ingested to treat madness (although it often caused more...), epilepsy, and melancholy. As an ointment it was thought to help burns and rheumatism. More recently, preparations from the plant have been used as ingredients in some asthma medicines. With this exception, however, Jimson weed is generally considered too toxic and unreliable for medical applications today. It seems too many people had bad experiences when it was supposed to have magical healing properties.
Luckily all parts of this plant are unpleasant to the taste making it unappealing to children and animals. Although it grows wildly in pastures, cattle tend to avoid it unless there is sparse food to graze on. In this case they generally die from poisoning, but this is not too common. 
One of its more famous nicknames,"Jamestown weed", came from an event that took place in the 1600's in Jamestown, VA involving Nathaniel Bacon. Europeans brought Jimson weed over to America and planted it in Jamestown. Later, during Bacon's Rebellion, British soldiers decided to boil the weed leaves and put them in salads, where they ended up hallucinating severely for over a week. Now that's what I call an organic salad!
No matter what Jimson weed's background is, there is no disputing--
this plant is absolutely lovely-- even in the middle of a field, growing wild. When it blooms in the evening, the flowers draw you in with their perfect shape and dreamy scent. So, next time you spot Jimson weed, get high off the (neglected) beauty instead of its leaves and seeds... that's a psycho trip you can afford to miss.
More Jimson Facts:
Nonmeclature:
Datura Stramonium L. - Named by Carl Linnaeus as published in Species Plantarum (1753). The genus was derived from ancient hindu word for plant, dhatura. The species name is from New Latin, stramonium, meaning thornapple. Stramonium is originally from from Greek, strychnos (nightshade) and manikos (mad).
Effects:
All parts of the plant are toxic-- so don't eat it! Initial symptoms are dry mouth, dilated pupils, high temperature, reduced sweating, blurred vision, and rapid heart beat. Also it can cause severe psychological effects like confusion, incoherent speech, impaired coordination, euphoria, and delirium. Extreme cases bring seizures, intense visual/auditory hallucinations, and cardiac arrest.
Addiction Potential:
Thus far, there are no reports that Jimsonweed is addictive.
Other "weird" current medical uses:
Today, believe it or not, extracts are still used in treating asthma, intestinal cramps, and both diarrhea and bed-wetting.
"High" Duration:
Depends on dose, with most effects beginning within two hours of use and some lingering up to 24-48 hours.
Is it Legal?:
In 1968, the abuse of Jimsonweed as a hallucinogenic drug prompted the US government to ban over-the-counter sales of products prepared from it, however, Jimsonweed is not a controlled substance.
For more information on Datura Stramonium, go to: Jimsonweed
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Psycho killer... qu'est-ce que c'est? (Jimsonweed beauty)
Sunday, 8 November 2009
A bittersweet saga (Bittersweet beauty)
American bittersweet, (Celastrus scandens)
One the best parts of fall for a flower spy is the rich assortment of textures to be discovered where flowers and leaves once bloomed. Multi-colored berries on stems sprouting in shades of gold, indigo, burnt orange, and crimson are everywhere from trees to bushes to plants. The greatest part about them is that they can be cut and used in autumn holiday arrangements.
American, or False bittersweet, (Celastrus scandens) is a perfect example, but like many of nature's plants, things are starting to change for this neglected beauty. As well, hearing the term “false” can make you wonder what is “true” bittersweet? There is in fact true bittersweet, but it is a different plant known as dulcamara, or bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara). Literally meaning bitter and sweet in Latin, dulcamara is more poisonous than American bittersweet, and its berries are green and red, with small purple flowers in the summer.
Bittersweet Nightshade, (Solanum dulcamara)
American bittersweet is a species native to central eastern U.S. and has long branches with many clusters of gold and red berries. There is another variety of the same family found in America, the Japanese bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), which was brought over for ornamental use. Differentiating between the two can be tough, but one way is to look for the placement of the berries. American bittersweet has berries on the ends of the branches while the Japanese variety grows on the length of the branch and bears blunt thorns. Another difference is that the American bittersweet is an innocuous vine that’s starting to become endangered, while the Japanese variety is taking over and threatening the environment by strangling and killing trees, a process called “girdling.”
Japanese bittersweet, (Celastrus orbiculatus)
Japanese bittersweet vines have spread so prolifically that they are beginning to displace the native American plants. Unfortunately, they are a better competitor in the woods; their fruits bear a brighter shade of red and produce more seeds, making it easier for birds to disperse them. Their seeds are also better at photosynthesizing, and are able to absorb light from a wider range of the spectrum (Dreyer 1985).
Bittersweet up close
Either type of bittersweet is easy to spot after a frost or two. They tend to grow on the tops of trees and shrubs in order to get sunlight. When it’s sunny or warm, the berry’s golden outer shell pops open, yielding bright orange-red berries inside. While most florists carry them, you can cut your own branches yourself if you know where to look. But beware! Bittersweet is usually surrounded by thickets, and this is a vine that tangles easily; the berries can stain, so be prepared for some work. However, if you love having natural elements in your home and don't mind a little effort, bittersweet makes a beautiful statement in a container or as an arrangement. If it's Japanese bittersweet you find, you'll be doing the trees and environment a favor by cutting it! American bittersweet also needs trimming at the end of the season, so don't worry about cutting this neglected beauty, just make sure not to damage the root.
Sunday, 25 October 2009
Going for the gold (Golden beauty)
Stop working for 10 minutes.
Step away from your computer.
Pretend you are going to the bathroom. 
Slip out the backdoor.
Put on your sunglasses.
Start walking in a row.
Keep going.
Go past the graveyard. 
Go past the fields.
Keep going. 
Look down.
Now up.
Relax and breath deeply. Don't you feel better?
All photos by: The Flower Spy
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Blue Crab beauty
Maryland blue crab
Since I was a young child, Maryland's blue crabs have been a part of my life. After the first taste of the savory meat dipped in Old Bay, they have been an exotic treat to me-- their colors changing from blue green to bright red, covered with spicy sprinkles. I would eat them year round-- steamed or broiled, in cakes, imperial, soups, dip, soft shell or just the claws out of a can (my favorite). By mid-summer, I couldn't wait for the annual crab feast my family and neighbors would have, usually in someone’s drive way, the picnic tables lined up back-to-back, covered in newspaper. My dad would complain about the cost of a bushel year after year, but continue to buy them anyway; knowing that canceling such a tradition would cost more. If he were alive today, he would gasp at the costs. But he would feel worse that the crabs are starting to disappear.
Blue crabs have been a part of our heritage for centuries, and in 1989, they were named our state crustacean-- as if this was a category all states would have. They are considered a culinary delicacy, and are a prized item on menus throughout the world. They are funny looking and have names like Jimmie, Sally, Sook, and Sponger, which identify their sexes and maturity. They are found in the mid-Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Coast of Central America, and the Gulf of Mexico. But it is Maryland that the blue crab has made its most famous home, with the Chesapeake Bay's prized waters giving them shelter, at least for now.
What's just as beautiful about the blue colored crustaceans the origin of its name. The blue crab comes from the Greek and Latin, Callinectes sapidus, meaning “beautiful swimmer that is savory”: calli-beautiful, nectes-swimmer and sapidus-savory. This neglected beauty never tasted so good.
Unfortunately, for the past 20 years, the blue crab has suffered a lifetime of loss, and I worry that the memories I once savored will not be passed on for future generations to enjoy. Increased water pollution, dead zones, and ghost traps, or cages, have all contributed to its demise. The water where they are harvested is a pretty shade of blue and green, but the level of pollution that lies within has caused much alarm with emergency legislation being passed yearly to limit their harvest. For at least three years, there has been a prohibition on catching female crabs. 2008 was a record low year for their numbers, and while there was a 50% increase in female crabs in 2009, blue crabs are not out of the murky water yet.
Beautiful blue crabs
Just 25' under the austere waters of the Chesapeake Bay, lie 'dead zones', areas where excess nitrogen and phosphorous have built up from pollution coming downstream, causing algae to eat up the nutrients and use up all the oxygen. The result is blue crabs and other bottom dwellers become oxygen starved and start dying.
To make things worse, there are an estimated 42,000 ghost traps lying on the floor of the bay that trap crabs, fish and sea life, killing them quickly. Removing these cages may be possible by targeting areas such as the mouths of rivers where there are larger numbers of them. But it will be time consuming and costly.
Ghost crab trap. Courtesy of Baltimore Sun Blog, Bay and Environment
As problems continue to affect the Maryland blue crab, there is little hope for them returning to their legendary status. The only thing that can be done now is to work towards improving the water quality--a huge undertaking-- and to organize sustainable fisheries. But can the mistakes of the past be corrected to affect massive re-growth? With the bushel amounts dropping, fishermen are quitting. They are an equally important component of the Bay’s heritage, as are the crab-pickers who prepare the meat for packaging. As they all worry about the blue crab's extinction, they fear their jobs are becoming extinct as well.
Woman picks crab, Eastern Shore, MD. Courtesy of Crisfield News
Until there is a massive clean up implemented in the Chesapeake Bay, and the waters get cleaner, the Maryland blue crab becomes another neglected beauty that I regret having to add to this list. The heritage of this beautiful, savory swimmer is just too important to ever lose.
You can help the blue crab by contacting:
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Chesapeake Bay Program
Hoopers Island Fisherman, courtesy of Getty Images
Resources:
Bay Journal,
Maryland DNR
Chesapeake Bay Program
Baltimore's famous painted crab
Photos provided by:
The Crab Place
Taste of the Chesapeake
Crisfield News
Thursday, 1 October 2009
Pre-fall beauty
Wild grapevine berries, Catonsville, MD
It’s fall in Maryland and as always, we are very excited to see the gorgeous foliage. Everywhere you go, the trees are gearing up for change-- the emeralds and kelly greens are beginning their conversion into more vibrant hues of crimson, scarlet and copper. The scenery will soon be breathtaking, but there is something else going on, behind the scenes-- perhaps some lesser known changes in landscape. It looks like neglected beauty is tapping on our shoulder once again, and all we have to do is turn around and look in our backyards to find it.
While the garden may not be as full and perky as it was a month ago, it is brimming with new options to appreciate. From pods and berries to wildflowers and perennials, early fall in Maryland has much to offer along with the unforgetable foliage.
Osage orange, Catonsville, MD
Look up and you'll see some trees with leaf-less branches, showing off their new seasonal accents. The black walnut tree is a great example; its walnuts are stored in tennis ball shaped pods which are citrus green and plentiful, just look out when they drop. Same goes with osage orange trees (Maclura pomifera) -- they too are popular in many parts of Baltimore, and their large, wrinkly fruits are starting to take over both branches and sidewalks. They are great in arrangements, as a fall themed centerpiece or stacked alone in a glass vase. Osage oranges are known for their fragrance, but not their taste, so be sure not to eat them. Another great fall pod find are Chinese lanterns, which are glowing in oranges and reds. They too, can be used in arrangements and dry very well, lasting several seasons before fading. The Echinacea and poppy plant's both leave pretty pods at the end of the season that can be used in seasonal decorations.
Quince fruit, Catonsville, MD
Fall berries are starting to take over where fruits and flowers once thrived. The American beauty berry bush (Callicarpa) has densely cropped purple berries that are stunning both on the branch or cut in containers. A weed to some, but a coveted plant to others, the pokeweed or pokeberry, has plum hued clusters that are still blooming and show nicely in vases, especially when combined with contrasting textures. But use caution when working with these, pokeberry stains ferociously when it drops. Even though it’s an invasive weed, wild grapevine berries are out in techni-colored shades of turquoise, purple and deep blue. In other tones, the Nandina bush is starting to produce crimson and scarlet berries, as is the Pyracantha and Viburnum.
Pyracantha, Baltimore, MD
As far as flowers go, many late blooming perennials are in full bloom, including Joe Pye weed, Japanese anemones, Russian sage, sedum, Caryopteris, solidago (golden rod), fall asters and hardy Chysanthemums. There are also some plentiful annuals to look out for on the sides of the road such as multi-hued Cosmos and Helianthus (sunflowers). Each have distinctly bright colors and can be cut for arranging, though do not generally last very long.
Japanese Anemone, Maryland
So, if you live in Maryland and can’t wait for the fantastic foliage that’s right around the corner, check out a garden, or go for a walk in the woods. You'll be sure to discover early fall blooming treasures. Most all plants listed can be cut and used in flower arrangements, but if not, they certainly add beauty to the view until it’s time for fall's final parade of leaves.
Wild cosmos, Crownsville, MD
Gardens and Parks to check out:
Brookside Gardens
Ladew Topiary Gardens
Irvine Nature Center
Audubon Society of Maryland
The Nature Conservancy/Maryland-D.C.
ALL PHOTOS BY FLOWER SPY AND BALANCE PHOTOGRAPHY
Callery Pear fruit, Crownsville, MD
Monday, 28 September 2009
Sorghum beauty
Sorghum is the fifth most important cereal crop in the world. We hear it mentioned in food production, but what is sorghum really? Its uses vary, but mostly sorghum is a gluten-free grain, or grass, that's used in the production of animal feed, alcoholic beverages, paper, adhesives, molasses and bio-fuels (sweet sorghum). That's a pretty diverse list, especially as a bio-fuel. This was recently discovered by environmental scientists after corn ethanol ended up not being the alternate fuel savior many believed it would be. Sorghum's large (lingo) cellulose-rich stalks can be converted into ethanol quite effectively. An environmental bonus is that sorghum is a drought resistant plant grown massively and inexpensively all over the world, so it can fulfill its diverse job-description easily. 
With such an impressive resume, it’s easy to forget that sorghum is also a pretty flower. It’s in season right now with coppery red blooms covering fields all over Maryland. From a distance, sorghum might be mistaken for the amaranthus plant, due to its similarities in texture, color and height. But up close, sorghum’s corn like foliage and stiff blooms stand out against the soft, velvety leaves of the amaranthus.
Sorghum is beautiful both by itself or combined with other flowers in an arrangement. One variety of sorghum is called "broom corn", and it’s used by floral designers to create wreaths, swags, and floral brooms. Traditional African weddings have a “jumping of the broom” ritual where the bride and groom jump over a broom made of sorghum (broom corn) which is can also decorated with bridal themed flowers. Sorghum can also be used for country style flower baskets and bridal bouquets.
If you’d like purchase sorghum for decoration, you can special order it with your local florist from late August through November, as it is not a typically stocked item. It holds up well, although the tiny seeds can be a nuisance when they drop. It’s best to store it in a place where it won't get touched, and let it dry naturally. It should last for at least season or two before it fades.
Gluten-free sorghum beer? Why not?
With all its varied uses, the true beauty of sorghum may be simply watching it grow in fields. The stems are long and showy and the rich jewel-toned flowers are perfect for a flower gazing road trip. Many farms in Baltimore, Harford County and the Eastern Shore grow sorghum and it’s at its peak right now. Who knew a grain could so beautiful?
All photos by the Flower Spy.
Sunday, 27 September 2009
Labyrinth beauty
A labyrinth is an intricate, circular path that leads to a center, and it is always unicursal, meaning the way in is the way out. They became popular during the crusades, and the labyrinth's meaning became more religious in tone--to walk it was synonymous with the pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Today, labyrinths are more spiritual than religious, and they turn up in a variety of places like parks, prisons, hospitals, gardens and spiritual centers. The objective is to meditate, reflect on inner growth, heal, mourn, let go and connect with the source of illumination. In other words--the essence of enlightenment for the spiritual voyagers of life.
Labyrinths have been around since Greek mythology, over 3,300 years ago. They were found in almost every religious tradition in the world, and were also a part of many indigenous cultures, including the Native Americans, Celtic tribes and the Mayans. Hopi Indians used the labyrinth shape as a symbol for "mother earth". And it was the theme of one of the my favorite award winning Spanish movies, Pan's Labyrinth. But I digress... 
I found a labyrinth today completely by accident. I was out in the country searching for neglected beauty with my mother, sister and my favorite girl. We were going to find the famous sunflower field but got a little lost. I decided to continue down this winding, crooked road when I spotted an old graveyard and church called St. James. I stopped and we all got out to look at the graves which were covered in moss and mold--very neglected and beautiful. Out of nowhere appeared a priest who smiled and waved as if he knew me. He said his name was Charlie and he caught me off guard by his friendliness. He was very happy we had stopped at his church's graveyard, and he invited us to look inside the chapel. Charlie gave me some history about the property, but went into great detail about the stained glass panels, of which he seemed most proud. He also told me there was a labyrinth across the street that was modeled after the famous Chartres Cathedral in France. When he mentioned it was surrounded by native grasses, I had a feeling neglected beauty was closer than I thought.
Grave markers at St. James cemetery, Monkton, MD
Old graves stones covered in moss at St. James cemetery, Monkton, MD
I thanked Charlie for all his information and we crossed the street to find the labyrinth. When we saw the concentric brick tiles, the sun was poking through the trees on one side. It was very still and peaceful. We all went over to see it, but my mother stayed behind. That seemed strange to me at first, but now I believe I understand. Her journey is coming to an end, as she is quite old. She didn't need to go, she's already walked it. My journey on the other hand is on-going, and I am in the midst of some major life changes. My sister who is 12 yrs older, was also eager to get started, so we did, each entering on different ends. Our young friend sat on the bench and didn't walk it. At 16, she had no desire to begin so soon-- she is still enjoying the last hurrah of her childhood.
So there we were, three different generations hanging around a labyrinth, each creating our own way. When I reached the center too quickly, I realized my mistake and started over to do it correctly. It seemed like more than a coincidence to me. I have done that before with my life. While it brings a quick outcome and exciting conclusion, the substance is usually lacking. No more short cuts for me--it's not the destination this time, but the journey.
When my sister and I reached the middle at different times, we just stood there quietly. While we had been laughing and having fun, there was a seriousness to the walk. Finding this labyrinth somehow seemed important to me. My sister and I have taken very different paths in life, and sometimes we don't relate very well as a result. We were in the company of a young girl who hasn't thought about making her way yet. Standing in the center of the labyrinth made me realize none of this mattered. We were there together, a part of a journey. Our own journey.
When we left, we found the sunflower fields. They were every bit as golden and beautiful as I thought they'd be. But it was the image of the labyrinth that was still in our minds, it's stoic beauty and round shape. It connected us, making us realize how great things can come from detours. Just when you think you've found what you are looking for, something better, perhaps even more beautiful comes along just to shake things up. I think that counts as neglected beauty, doesn't it? 
To learn more about St. James Church of Monkton, MD, visit:
http://www.saintjames.org/
To learn more about the labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France, visit:http://www.labyrinthos.net/photo_library14.html
As always, double click on images for full impact.
All photos by the Flower Spy.
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
Free bird beauty
This summer, I became part of an amazing group known as the "Free Birds United," a collective of self-employed female business owners in the arts. The brainchild of talented graphic designer, Betty Walke-Whipps, its objective is to help its members develop new ideas and strategies during this uncertain economy and changing market. The "Birds" range from writers, television and film set-designers to photographers and even a floral designer. Betty embraced the bird theme after painting a soulful mural of love birds for her wedding two years ago. 
Aside from learning new tips on how to fine tune my blogs and not be so afraid of social media--thank you Renee Lemley-- I have also found myself inspired creatively-- thank you Betty Walke-Whipps. Yes, since joining, I have now started seeing birds everywhere, from the doves on my backyard telephone wires, to crows on the side of the road, even sea gulls at the Wal-Mart parking lot. I pride myself on locating all sorts of neglected beauty, so I suppose its only natural that I'd start spotting these winged creatures. Like any new course one sets out on in life, the universe always manages to gently focus our minds onto our new subject matter, even if it has feathers and a beak.
Bird watching aside, I feel confident that this group is getting ready for take off. Always striving to reach new heights, "Free Birds" seems like the perfect name for a gathering of such courageous women. As a "united flock", hopefully, we can survive and help one another glide through the uneven weather conditions of our present world. Divided, we may stand alone on the wire, uncertain of our direction. Thanks to Betty's group effort, the skies are looking much clearer for these birds to fly high.
For more information on the Free Birds United, visit:
http://freebirdsunited.com/blog/
ALL PHOTOS BY THE FLOWER SPY
