Texas Witchery

Creeping Mallow 

Modiola caroliniana

This herb is commonly found in cures used across the American South, but especially in literature about Cajun remedies. A handful of the shredded leaves was soaked in a quart of water for several hours, then strained to yield a drink described as ‘refreshing,’ which seemed to be a sort of daily tonic. The plant may be found year-round, and can be easy to miss in its tininess. 

Aside from its delicate pinkish red blooms, about the size of a pencil eraser, its seed pods are easily recognizable. They are in the shape of a wheel, round and larger than the flowers that come before them. 

The Houma nation of Louisiana would make an infusion of the whole plant to be gargled for sore throat or drunk for diphtheria. In Florida, a cold infusion of the plant was added to baths to treat menstrual ills. As a mallow, it is likely to have emollient properties as its cousins do.

I associate this plant with the Moon, the astrological sign Libra, the element of Water, and the goddesses Venus and Vesta. There are no recorded magical uses but the plant can likely be used as one would any other mallow, for cleansing, love, fertility, and honoring the deceased.