Common seed heads as tinder

[Fenlander]

I have been experimenting with new tinders recently and have discovered how good Common Reed (Phragmites australis) is. It is not a tinder I have heard recommended before.

There should be a picture of reed seed heads here......HOPEFULLY!

To take a spark Collect 6 - 10 seed heads rub them briefly between your hands and then spark into them. Unlike Reed Mace (AKA Bull Rush) which flash burns, reed seed heads burn relitively slowly.

To take an ember from a bow/hand drill collect double the amount and make a nest. It is the quickest tinder I have found for getting from ember to fire

 

[Toddy]

Now that's interesting, thank you for the information.

I've tried the little seed cones from bog myrtle (Myrica gale) and get what sounds like the same effect. They contain a resinous waxy substance, but you need an awful lot of them to extract the wax scum, however, they burn well. Crushed flax seed heads do this too.
Cheers,
Toddy

 

[Fenlander]

Now that's interesting, thank you for the information.

I've tried the little seed cones from bog myrtle (Myrica gale) and get what sounds like the same effect. They contain a resinous waxy substance, but you need an awful lot of them to extract the wax scum, however, they burn well. Crushed flax seed heads do this too.
Cheers,
Toddy

Have you tried making myrtle beer yet??

It is also supposed to be good as an insect repellent, but I have never found i very successful

 

[underground]

I collected some clematis seeds yesterday, maybe not the commonest woodland plant but a seed nontheless. I've yet to try them but they are in abundance in gardens at present

 

[Toddy]

I use it as an anti-midge. Much more pleasant than the acrid citronella. Try burning it, or boiling the little cones to form the scum and mix that with candle wax to make a candle. If you soak the cones in almond oil and leave it in the sunshine it'll infuse the oil with the myrtle and that makes a good anti-insect rub too.
Haven't tried the beer yet, still too busy using it for dyes The scent clings to the wool and seems to deter the midges again, I get excellent dark greens using a little iron in the dyebath with the bog myrtle leaves.

Cheers,
Toddy

 

[Bob]

Look out for the 'fluff' around on Sallow (Pussy Willow) at the moment too - lights a treat using a firesteel!

Bob

 

[Neiltoo]

I find rose bay willow herb works great - the down from the seeds takes a spark well once dried

http://www.the-tree.org.uk/EnchantedForest/WoodlandFlowers/rosebaywillowherb.htm

hmm - just learnt something interesting from that link

 

[EdS]

I've been using common reed for a while now -great for getting the kelly kettle going.

It works great with a Swedish type fire steel but has anybody tried it this an old fashioned flint and steel?