Why? Because you can! And pickle, and jam, or otherwise celebrate the resurgence of the domestic arts our forebears held so dear. Put on your best apron and step into our kitchen, won't you?
Forget any misconceptions you have about this wild flower. It is not likely responsible for anyone's hay fever. It is just a beautiful perennial which is also edible. This is the first of a series of recipes using this much misunderstood plant.
Birds, especially hummingbirds, bees and butterflies all love this plant, but its roots, flowers and leaves are used as remedies for humans. To introduce you to this plant, here is a simple tisane made from its large, velvety leaves.