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Wild Folk Herb Farm
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Our At-Risk Medicinal Forest Garden
Two years ago we began ecological restoration of the understory in our small hardwood maple grove. Our intention was to establish a biodiverse forest garden that hosted a variety of at-risk medicinal plants which were native to Canada (Turtle Island).
After the slow removal of invasive plants (such as blackberry, creeping buttercup & Scotchbroom), we started to restore the area with medicinal species that would fill their native ecological roles.
Many of the varieties that we planted are considered at-risk in their native habitats due to over-harvesting and habitat loss.
By diversifying the maplewood understory, it enables us to provide plants and medicine to our community while fostering ecological renewal through regenerative cultivation practices.
Meet some of the understory plants ...
Goldenseal
(Hydrastis canadensis)
Family: Ranunculaceae
Goldenseal is native to Southeastern Canada and is revered for its medicinal properties which are found in the bright golden roots. It is the high concentration of Berberine that give the roots their rich color, and also is what makes the plant such a sought after medicinal. Berberic acid is an incredible anti-viral/anti-microbial and can be used to treat infections of the respiratory & digestive tracts, colds &flu.
Goldenseal is an at-risk, threatened medicinal species due to overharvesting and the destruction of its natural habitat.
Wild Ginger
(Asarum caudatum)
Family: Aristolochiaceae
This variety of Wild Ginger is the native species of British Columbia. It can be found in the shaded understory of the pine & redwood forests. Wild Ginger has been traditionally used as a laxative and to treat digestive upsets and colic and has long been used for its pain relieving properties.
Wild Ginger continues to be an at-risk species due to habitat loss and the devastation of old growth forests.
Devil's Club
(Oplopanax horridus)
Family: Araliaceae
Devils Club is a deciduous shrub native to the Pacific North West. It is often found in the dense, rich old-growth conifers forests. Devils Club is related to American Ginseng and has been used medicinally and ceremoniously since time immemorial by the Tlingit and Haida first nations.
Due to slow reproduction rates, and the continued devastation of the old-growth habitats, Devils Club is considered an at-risk medicinal species
Other plant species found in our forest garden ...
Wild Yam
Solomon's Seal
False Unicorn
Black Cohosh
Blue Cohosh
