I was poised two mornings ago as I watched this doe munch on blackberry leaves, hostas, poison sumac leaves (she ate the branches right down!), as well as iris leaves. The latter two are known to be poisonous if taken internally.

It is said that Native Americans observed animals in nature to take in what they eat, and follow their teachings, learning about the medicine of natural animal diet. It makes me curious about the medicinal value of sumac leaf and iris leaf. Please share any information you may have about these.

The flower essence Iris, however, is not poisonous as it contains only small amounts of the flower, and it is for spiritual creativity and complete opening of this channel. It is for “Making Your Life Your Art”. Well that might make sense since it is hunting season and the Doe is in my backyard practicing the Art of Evading the Hunter. Its a very curious world we live in, I may try a nibble myself one at a time and live to tell a tale or two.