Northern Horsebalm
Collinsonia canadensis
native
Other Names:
Richweed, Canada Horsebalm, Ox Balm, Horse Weed, Hardhack, Stone Root, Deepwoods Horsebalm
Northern Horsebalm is a native plant found in much of Virginia. Bumblebees are its main pollinators, and flies, aphids, katydids, moth caterpillars, and other insects eat the foliage. It has a long history of being used for medical purposes, which is the main reason Peter Collinson, who was a Quaker merchant, became interested in it. The genus of the plant was named after him. Northern Horsebalm is in the mint family along with sage, rosemary, thyme, basil, and oregano, to name a few. Parsley is in a different family from sage, rosemary and thyme — it is grouped with carrots, celery parsnips, dill, caraway, and many other items that are commonly eaten.
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