Wild herbs in the portrait: Giersch Birdmiers & Co

Wild herbs in the portrait: Giersch Birdmiers & Co

Imagine that you walk through nature and instead of just seeing the usual flowers and grasses, you can see the hidden treasures of our domestic wild herbs. Giersch and chickenmaire - which are often dismantled as weeds - have far more to offer than you suspect at first glance. In this article we take a close look at your botanical features and the correct identification. You will be amazed at how important you are for the ecosystem and which ecological functions you take on. But the best thing is still coming: Discover how you can use giersch and chickenmiers culinary and what health benefits they bring you. Get ready for a little journey into the world of "wild" herbs that not only delight your palate, but also expand your knowledge. Let's dive!

botanical characteristics and identification of giersch and chimney

Giersch (Aegopodium podagraria) and chickenmaire (Stellaria Media) are two common wild herbs that can often be found in gardens and meadows. Their detection requires a certain botanical knowledge because they can vary in their appearance.

giersch is characterized by the following characteristics:

• leaves: three -part, heavily jagged, the upper leaves are often smaller and less pronounced.
• flowers: white flowers in umbels that appear between May and August.
• stem: upright, hollow and smooth, can become up to one meter high.
• locations: prefers shady, moist places, often at forest edges or in dense bushes.

chimney , on the other hand, has another look:

• leaves: small, opposite, oval to lanceolate with serrated edges.
• flowers: small, white flowers with five petals that bloom from April to November.
• stem: thin, creeping or upright, reaches a height of up to 30 cm.
• locations: grows frequently in cultivated soils, gardens and meadows, preferred loamy to humus -rich soils.

In order to distinguish giersch and chickenmairs from each other, organoleptic characteristics can also be taken into account. Giersch has a strong, aromatic fragrance, while birdmill has a mild taste. It is also noteworthy that Giersch is considered an invasive weed, while chirts are often seen as a valuable food.

In the table below, some of the essential differences between Giersch and Birdmiers are summarized:

In summary, it can be said that the identification of giersch and chimney is possible by observing the leaf shape, flowers and growth. However, if you want to collect plants in nature, you should be sure to know the characteristics to avoid confusion with other, possibly poisonous species.

ecological functions and benefits of wild herbs in the ecosystem

wild herbs, including giersch and chickenmaire, play a crucial role in the ecosystem. These plants are important components of habitats that contribute to biodiversity. Through their presence, they promote biodiversity, which is indispensable for the health of the entire ecosystem. Your role as a source of food for different types of insects, birds and mammals cannot be assessed highly enough. The loss of these plants could cause a chain reaction in the food network.

The ability of wild herbs to regulate the microclimate is remarkable. They contribute significantly to ground formation by tracing organic material and stabilizing the soil through their root systems. This not only promotes soil fertility, but also helps to prevent erosion. Wild herbs also act as natural water reservoirs, which leads to better water availability in the area. This is particularly important in times of drought and climate change.

In addition, wild herbs can act as pioneering plants that colonize stony or nutrient -poor soils. They prepare the soil for other plant species by adding nutrients and changing the structure. Their ability to absorb pollutants has far -reaching ecological advantages. In agriculture, wild herbs can serve as a natural weed management strategy by helping to reduce the use of chemical herbicides.

Another ecological advantage of wild herbs is your contribution to pollination. Many wild herbs attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which in turn are essential for the pollination of crops. The decline in pollinating population is a serious problem, and maintaining wild herbs could help maintain this important function in agricultural ecosystems.

The values ​​and functions of wild herbs are varied and profound. If you consider that many wild herbs are also used in traditional medicine, their cultural importance is also underlined. They promote the health of the entire ecosystem while at the same time serving people in many ways.

Culinary application and health advantages of giersch, chickweed and Co

giersch (Aegopodium podagraria) and chickenmaire (Stellaria Media) are not only interesting wild herbs, but also tasty additions in the kitchen. Giersch has a slightly spicy taste that is reminiscent of parsley and carrot. It is ideal for salads, smoothies and as a seasoning in different dishes. The young leaves are particularly delicate and can be used raw.

chimney, on the other hand, has a mild, slightly nutty taste. It is a wonderful addition to salads and is well suited as a component of pestos or in soups. Both plants contain valuable nutrients that support their culinary use.

In addition to their culinary value, giersch and chickenmiers also offer numerous health benefits. Giersch is known for its detoxifying properties that can support the body in the elimination of uric acid. It can also be used to relieve joint pain and rheumatic complaints. Birds are rich in vitamins (such as vitamin C) and minerals (such as iron and magnesium) that contribute to general health.

The use of these wild herbs can also help promote digestion and strengthening the immune system. They are low in calories and can contribute to improving intestinal health due to their high fiber content.

giersch and chickenmaire are not only tasty, but also environmentally friendly. They grow in nature and contribute to biodiversity. Around these wild herbs there is already a small movement that encourages more and more people to deal with domestic flora and to integrate these herbs into their diet.

Finally, it can be stated that wild herbs such as Giersch and Birdmill not only have a remarkable variety of botanical properties, but also perform essential ecological functions. Your role in the ecosystem is complex and contributes to biodiversity and the stability of communities. In addition, they offer numerous culinary possibilities and health benefits that have so far often been underestimated. The examination of these plants not only opens up new perspectives for the sustainable use of resources, but also promotes awareness of the importance of wild herbs in our daily life. The combination of science, environmental awareness and culinary applications shows that research in this area is still of crucial importance in order to develop the full potential of these often overlooked plants.

sources and further literature

references

• Giese, R. (2004). *The meaning of wild herbs for biodiversity*. Series for landscape maintenance and nature conservation, 72.
• Schäfer, G. (2012). * Wild plants in the garden - giersch, chickweed and Co.* Stuttgart: Ulmer Verlag.

Studies

• Klein, A.-M., & Steffan-Dewenter, I. (2012). "Wild plants as a resource for pollinators: influence of wild herbs on the pollinator fauna." *Ecology & Evolution*, 2 (2), 199-209.

further literature

• Praeger, D. (2017). *Kitchen charter: Determine 50 wild plants themselves, collect and prepare*. Freiburg: Haupt Verlag.
• Volk, W. (2018). *Edible wild plants: a manual for beginners and advanced*. Munich: BLV Buchverlag.