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12 September 2023
Why do some vegetation have the suffix “-wort” of their names?
The suffix “-wort” merely means “plant.” In earlier centuries, plant frequent names typically referred to bodily traits, resemblance, or really helpful medicinal makes use of.
— Univ of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum: Gardening with Native Crops: Worts and Weeds, pt. 1
Listed below are some not too long ago blooming “-worts.”
Purple milkwort (Polygala sanguinea), above, is native to North America. “The genus title Polygala comes from the historic Greek “a lot milk”, because the plant was thought to extend milk yields in cattle.” I don’t know if this works.
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), associated to ragweed, is utilized in cooking and has been used medicinally. It has a bitter taste. Why “mug”? I don’t know.
Pilewort (Erechtites hieraciifolius) is a member of the Aster household that grows simply in disturbed soil. Quirky Science says the “reported makes use of embrace the treating of hemorrhage, dysentery, pores and skin ailments, and cholera. It’s a purgative and emetic. The title suggests it’s good in treating piles (hemorrhoids).”
St. Johns wort (Hypericum perforatum), imported from Europe, is so-named as a result of it blooms in June and was historically harvested on St. John’s Day, June 24, to adorn properties and chase away evil. It’s an natural remedy for melancholy and has been planted practically worldwide.
(photographs by Kate St. John)
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