Thursday, January 15, 2009

Plants of the Dinosaurs -Sycamore & Walnut



The last and the longest age of the Dinosaurs, The Cretaceous Period was the beginning of flowering plants. By the late Cretaceous hickories, oaks, and magnolias were well established. Fossil representatives of legumes, walnuts (pictured above) and sycamores (pictured below) have also been found in rocks. Sycamore, Platanus occidentalis, is a native American herbal tree. It is a tall and wonderful shade tree, distinguished by its peeling bark. Historically, sycamore bark was simmered and used to nourish the skin. Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) is also an American native tree. It is used as a strong black dye for wool or baskets. Black walnut is also a strong anti-fungal herb for athletes foot. Ah, it will dye your skin too. Black feet or itchy feet you pick.

1 comment:

Comfrey Cottages said...

love these dinosaur posts! don't forget, the black walnuts are awesome for baking winter treats! hugs so appreciate all your posts! stay warm