Archive/Database Asset: Native American Plants
While doing research on this topic, I happened to come across this bed of Native American plants at a local park. Since I have an interest in botany, I stopped and took some pictures of it so I could research them later. At the time, I didn’t know exactly what I was going to use this for, but now I can share my research in this way. The plaque that labels the flowerbed states that all of the plants in the bed pictured are “known to have been used by Native Americans indigenous to this area.” It goes on to explain that these plants had many uses including “charms, game attractants, flavorings, insect repellants, dyes, fiber, teas, smoking, food, and medicines.” It also explains that many other plants found throughout the park have also been used by Native Americans as well. I look at several of the plants pictured in the flower bed above and examine how they have been used by Native Americans as part of my research.
Scutellaria laterifora (Mad Dog Skullcap)
Source: https://calscape.org/Scutellaria-lateriflora-()
- This plant has many other names such as Blue skullcap, Hoodwort, and Virginian skullcap
- It has been used as herbal medicine as a mild sedative or anti-anxiety treatment
- All plants of the scutellaria genus have sedative properties
- There are over 200 species of skullcap plants and they all have different uses
- “laterifora” means “lateral flowers” or “flowers on the side”
- Traditionally used as incense or herbal teas
Cimicifuga racemosa (Black Cohosh)
Source: https://piedmontmastergardeners.org/article/black-cohosh-and-dolls-eyes-tall-shade-loving-and-native/
- This plant has many other names such as snakeroot, black bugbane, rattleweed, macrotys, and rheumatism weed
- It is traditionally thought to have sedative and anti-inflammatory properties
- It has been used by Native Americans as insect repellant
- Currently, black cohosh is very popular as a treatment for hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms
Asarum canadense (Wild Ginger)
Source: https://wp.stolaf.edu/naturallands/forest/ephemerals/wildginger/
- Some common names are Asarabacca, Canada Ginger, Cat’s Foot, Colic Root, Coltsfoot, Heart-Leaf, Indian Ginger, Namepin, Snakeroot, Sturgeon Potato
- This ginger is not related to what we would use in cooking, but it was used as a substitute
- When infused in tea, wild ginger could be used a contraceptive
- It was used to treat upset stomachs and colic
- The roots could be used to treat open wounds because they hold antibiotic substances
- Several tribes believed seasoning game that had died of unknown causes eliminated the possibility of being poisoned. This is valid because it has so many antibacterial agents that work against many bacteria and fungi
- There are many other traditional uses of wild ginger not listed here
