Are you familiar with the salsify plant? It's an ornamental flower with herbal properties. I have read that the root is edible, but I have never consumed any. The attractive purple flower is less familiar to me than the trademark "puff". I admit that I don't really notice this interesting plant until it has gone to seed, like the one below. In essence, it's a dandelion on steroids.
Salsify originated in the Mediterranean regions of Europe, but has made its way around the world and now grows in all 50 states. We first became acquainted with it when we moved to Missouri and we have been "salsify-spotting" ever since! As children, we would be on the lookout for these seed pod puffs along country roads because our mother uses them for decoration. Giving them a shot of hairspray before harvest will prevent the fragile seeds from floating away. The following idea is my mother's and, in fact, she and my dad just got these stems when they spotted a nearby stand right before the county moved through with mowers and downed all the roadside vegetation! They brought home their new stash of salsify and painted them red, white and blue to create a patriotic punch of color! It also looks good in its natural color, of course.
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| These salsify complete my parents' patriotic mantel. Red candlesticks balance the antique vase and the Betsy Ross print hangs for the season. |
I love using bits of nature in my décor and now you see that I come by it rightfully! I enjoy using twigs, both fresh and dried flowers and leaves, seedpods and pinecones indoors since they add texture and interest. I even showed you how I used a butterfly a few weeks ago! What do you think? How do you like this salsify transformed into nature's fireworks?
Have a great day and spread joy!