Japanese Lantern (Physalis alkekengi)
This beautiful plant has an orange papery covering over it’s fruit, which resemble Jack-o- lanterns. This is a perennial that is native across southern Asia and is widely grown all over the world. The fruit can be used in cut flower arrangements and dries nicely. In Japan during the Bon Festival the seeds of this plant are used as an offering to guide the souls of the dead.
Witchhazel (Hamamelis)
A deciduous woody shrub that blooms in September – November. The tiny yellow flowers have four thin petals and emerge at the same time as the fruit. There are medicinal uses for astringents made from the bark and leaves of this plant, including: skincare, treating insect bites and poison ivy. This plant gets it’s wicked name simply due to the translation of the Middle English word Wiche which means bendable. The American colonists used the flexible branches when dowsing for water.
Wolfsbane (Aconitum)
This toxic perennial has purple or blue blossoms that resemble ‘hoods’ which is where ‘Monkshood’ as another common name came from. It can grow 3-5’ tall and 2’ wide, likes part shade and moist soil. Due to the toxic nature this plant it is both deer and rabbit resistant. You should avoid letting this plant contact your bare skin. In Folklore it was believed that if ingested, smelled or worn you could turn into a Werewolf! It was also a main ingredient in Witches Brews.
Ghost Plant (Monotropa uniflora)
A rather rare plant that actually doesn’t contain any chlorophyll resulting in its pure white color. This plant is parasitic and feasts on mycorrhizal fungi attached to trees. This means that the ghastly plant ultimately is getting what it needs from photosynthetic trees and doesn’t need to rely on sunlight to grow. They are often found near the base of Beech Trees.
Love-Lies-Bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus)
This is an Annual plant here in Vermont and can grow upwards of 2 feet tall. It will bloom from June until the frost and thrives in full sun to part shade. This plant gets its name because of the long drooping clusters of red flowers that hang down from the plant. The flowers are beautiful in arrangements and if dried will still retain the reddish color.
Garlic (Allium)
Has been by used by humans for nearly 7,000 years as both food and for medicinal purposes. This well-known Vampire, Werewolf and Demon deterrent is part of the onion family and had to be included here… just incase you need it this Halloween!
