May 3: Violets, Dutchman's Breeches, and edible/nonedible weeds

It's rather amazing what you can find by the side of the road.
 
Just driving by an untended area between the street and the sidewalk, I found some of the richest beauty I've seen so far. There were some Common Blue Violets and a variation I hadn't noticed before.

Common Blue Violet

Variation of Common Blue Violet

Violets are rather tasty (or at least they don't taste bad -- actually to me they don't taste like much of anything) and they dissolve easily in the mouth, so people have used them as cake decorations. Sugared Violets is a time-honored thing to make and is easy to do.

I also noticed some Dutchman's Breeches.

Dutchman's Breeches

Do NOT eat them. Dutchman's Breeches are poisonous, and should be kept away from cattle. This is usually not an issue because Dutchman's Breeches grow in the woods, often on banks where there is leaf mold.

Another plant that is bad for livestock, especially horses, is Hoary Alyssum. Pull it out of pastures if you find it there.

 

Hoary Alyssum

A weed you CAN eat is Purple Dead Nettle, which is quite beautiful despite its dark-sounding name.

Purple Dead Nettle

It's called "dead' because it doesn't have nettles to sting you. It's high in antioxidants though a little fuzzy and not real tasty -- it's edible enough though, just not real exciting to eat. Some people put in in smoothies. Feel free to pick all you want because it's considered a weed and often invades people's lawns.