Episode 10:🍂 Exploring Ozark Plant Lore & Folk Magic

White River Nursery
2 days ago
3 min read

Released: October 15, 2025

Hosts / Guests: Sarah, Charity, Alex

Release / Length: Approx. 45 minutes

🎧 Listen on: YouTube · Spotify · Apple Podcasts

[00:00] As October rolls in, we explore the folklore, stories, and “plant magic” traditions woven into Ozark life. From persimmon seeds and buckeyes to witch trees, elderberries, ginseng, and more, Sarah, Charity, and Alex mix personal memories with researched lore. You’ll be inspired to look at the plants around you with new wonder — and maybe try slicing a persimmon seed!

🍊 Predicting Weather with Persimmons

[01:30] Cutting open persimmon seeds reveals a white shape: spoon (❄️ snow), knife (❄️ “cutting” icy wind), or fork (☂️ mild winter).

Tips: Use a sharp knife and be safe when cutting!

Persimmon seed we cut after recording. Sure looks like a spoon!

🌱 Buckeyes: Protection, Pocket Talismans & Caution

[05:30] Found commonly in the Ozarks, Buckeyes (Aesculus spp.) are carried for luck and arthritis relief. The nut must be gifted or found, never bought, to retain its power.

“It was like the original fidget spinner. People carried Buckeyes as worry stones.” — Charity

Reminder: Buckeyes are toxic! Do not eat. Squirrels instinctively wait for toxins to break down.

🌿 Sassafras: Tea, File Powder & Witch Trees

[10:00] The hosts reminisce about sassafras root tea—a spring tonic for "flushing out winter." Leaves become file powder in Cajun cuisine. Sassafras and pawpaw are considered "witch trees" due to butterfly behavior and transformation symbolism.

“Sassafras was a cure-all—even exported to Europe in early America.” — Alex

🌳 Ozark Witch Hazel: A Native with Powers

[20:00] Witch Hazel (Hamamelis vernalis), native to the Ozarks, was nearly harvested to extinction for skincare products. The name "witch" comes from Old English "wyche," meaning bendable.

Used in dowsing for water or illness. Still smells amazing in the wild!

🌼 Pokeweed: Edible? Medicinal? Magical?

[23:30] Poke (Phytolacca americana) is considered a trickster plant. It's toxic if not properly prepared, yet was once a staple green. Ink from berries used during the Civil War, and even rumored in early U.S. documents.

“It’s beautiful. Magenta stems, big leaves. I let it grow for the birds and butterflies.” — Alex

Elderberry: Syrup & Superstition

[28:30] Elder (Sambucus spp.) has real medicinal value (immune support), but also lots of lore. Said to be sacred to the elder mother, and should only be cut with her permission!

Warning: Always cook elderberries. Raw seeds can cause illness.

Mullein: Toilet Paper & Tapers

[33:00] Known as "witches taper," mullein (Verbascum thapsus) was used to create candles. Leaves were smoked or brewed for respiratory issues. Also good in compost for soil health.

Mullein stalk- could be used for a candle!

Ginseng: Sacred, Secret, & Sought After

[37:00] Ginseng (Panax spp.) has deep Ozark lore. Roots have been used medicinally for centuries. Harvest laws exist now; replant berries to ensure sustainability.

“If you tell someone where your patch is, it’ll disappear. That’s the Ozark way.” — Alex

🌮 Resources & References