Something about blooming broomweed in October that seems to attract the bison. Over the years I've noticed they seem to like hanging around this weed during the heat of the day.
The Comanche boiled the flowers and leaves into a tea, then used the pulp for skin rashes and poultices. Some folks claim it is an insect and snake repellent. Have a feeling the insect repellent claim is probably why the buffalo like to lay around in it. Nature has a way of providing for it's own!
I did notice that the snakeweed had no effect on the ever present flies on the buffalo as this pic shows. Suspect the weed gives relief from mites and fleas though.
While trying to find out more about the medicinal qualities, found an unusual article in an Okla. wildcrafting site. During the 1918 pandemic flu outbreak (Spanish Flu) which killed thousands; a tea made from the boiled leaves and flowers was used extensively in the treatment of the afflicted. Makes me wonder what the buffalo would say about one of their favored plants!
these are like paintings, parker! just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteKind words indeed Tex!
DeleteJust as your Run-Around-Ranch critters are fun for you to photograph, so are the many animals and scenes in the Wichita Mtns. in Oklahoma are for me. Of the fifty-nine thousand twenty acres contained in the refuge, 22,400 acres are currently availible for me to wander ,explore, and take pics at will!
You have a treasure trove in that refuge. Love these photos; huge clumsy-looking animals among a field of quite delicate appearing plants. The medicinal qualities are so interesting; perhaps the bson know something we don't know or recognize.
DeleteKate, the Refuge is a mere 92 miles from my driveway to Doris Campground where I park my travel trailer! This puts me in close proximity to the upper center of the 22,400 acres. I recently found pics in my 92 year old Dad's picture box that were taken in 1941 of him and one of my uncles, perched on one of the big granite boulders on Mt. Scott! A familiar place for our family!
DeleteCool photographs and interesting about the broomweed!
ReplyDeleteHappy you enjoyed the post! Always something different going on among us Shutterbugs!
DeleteWonderful shots of these noble creatures.
ReplyDeleteNoble they are Randy! I never tire of seeing or taking their pic!
DeleteVery nice photos, I agree with TexWes these do look as much like paintings as they do photos.
ReplyDeleteInteresting information on the broomweed. There are so many plants all around us with special qualities, unfortunately much of this information is lost with each passing generation.
You left a stick on the buffalo's horn in the bottom shot. What's up with that? LOL
ReplyDeleteA bug repellent maybe but before I use a weed/flower for a snake repellent somebody else is going to have to go in front of me!
Great info on the plant and nice photos (except for that stick of course) LOL
Ron, not removing the stick from his horn was an oversight on my part. Maybe you and Aaron could take care of that little job while your there this weekend? One could distract the buffer and take pics while the other made a run by grab of the stick. Set the cameras for high speed shots as they can move pretty fast. Shots should be awesome! LOL
ReplyDeleteI'll make sure to take some really good photos while Aaron is getting that stick! LOL
Delete