Tow-headed dandelions, fading spring beauties, an occasional blackberry that overstepped its bounds - they all felt the sting of my blade today! But I just couldn't bring myself to cut down the lady's bedstraw, or cleavers, growing near the woods in the back yard. That's it in the photo above. I first learned about this herb on an herb walk several years ago. Apparently it can be used medicinally as a diuretic tea or topically to heal wounds. I don't know if it is worth drying for later.
It's amazing how many of the spring wild plants are good for those two purposes. Chickweed, for instance, is reported to be good for dieters because of its diuretic properties, and plantain is considered by many to be one of the best herbs for soothing bites and stings. Just chew it up or tear it up and apply it directly to a sting for relief (or so I've heard.)
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