What’s a -Wort?


What’s a -Wort?
Red milkwort, Sewickley Heights Park, 8 Sept 2023 (picture via Kate St. John)

12 September 2023

Why perform a little crops have the suffix “-wort” of their names?

The suffix “-wort” merely manner “plant.” In previous centuries, plant not unusual names continuously referred to bodily traits, resemblance, or really helpful medicinal makes use of.

Univ of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum: Gardening with Local Vegetation: Worts and Weeds, pt. 1

Listed here are some just lately blooming “-worts.”

Red milkwort (Polygala sanguinea), above, is local to North The united states. “The genus title Polygala comes from the historical Greek “a lot milk”, because the plant was once concept to extend milk yields in livestock.” I do not know if this works.

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), associated with ragweed, is utilized in cooking and has been used medicinally. It has a sour taste. Why “mug”? I don’t know.

Mugwort leaves are white underneath (photo by Kate St. John)
Mugwort leaves are white beneath (picture via Kate St. John)
Mugwort flora are brown in September, Schenley Park, 23 Sept 2021 (picture via Kate St. John)

Pilewort (Erechtites hieraciifolius) is a member of the Aster circle of relatives that grows simply in disturbed soil. Quirky Science says the “reported makes use of come with the treating of hemorrhage, dysentery, pores and skin sicknesses, and cholera. This is a purgative and emetic. The title suggests it’s just right in treating piles (hemorrhoids).”

Pilewort, Pittsburgh East Finish, 28 Aug 2023 (picture via Kate St. John)
Pilewort flower heads and seeds (photo by Kate St. John)
Pilewort flower heads and seeds, Sept 2016 (picture via Kate St. John)

St. Johns wort (Hypericum perforatum), imported from Europe, is so-named as it blooms in June and was once historically harvested on St. John’s Day, June 24, to enhance properties and thrust back evil. It’s an natural remedy for melancholy and has been planted just about international.

St. Johns wort, South Aspect of Pittsburgh, July 2022 (picture via Kate St. John)

(pictures via Kate St. John)

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