Running head: Plants of Lanark County

Plants of Lanark County

By: Chad Clifford and Tania Marsh

97 Dec 20

CAUTION:

The information herein was and is not intended for any practical applications, outside of the author's personal uses, but rather for general interest reading. Poisoning and death could result from the use of certain plants. This information comes from a variety of sources and the accuracy of the information is not guaranteed. Furthermore, do not use the information found in this work, in any part, as a guide to food or medicinal use. The authors do not assume any responsibility from any harm done resulting from the use of this information. This work originated as a result of an ongoing acquainting of ourselves with local plants of Lanark County.

Introduction

‘Plants of Lanark County’ is the result of the authors’ personal interest in the identification and uses of plants found in the Ottawa Valley (see Figure 1. The boundaries of Lanark County). While learning of the different plants located in the area during walks, the plants were recorded and later researched. The plants included are not in any order, except for the order in which they were found in the field. This work is basically an on-going journal study of plants. The plants included here thus far, are admittedly only a fraction of the variety that really exist in the area, however, many common plants are represented.

In an attempt to organize the plants for quick reference, an ‘index’ has been included in which all the plants are placed in alphabetical order with corresponding page numbers. This enables the document to expand continually with no need for reprinting the whole, rather, just the index occasionally.

Using this guide

To locate a plant’s page number in the text, consult the index at the back of the document using the plant’s common name. Once the page number is found, check that the Latin name right down to specie level, corresponds with the plant concerned. Information provided will follow the format given in the example below.

Example Strawberry, Common

.COMMON STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) Latin specie name

Rose Family (Rosaceae) Family name

Food: Identifies the edible parts of the plant along with recipes and other relevant information. Organized by plant parts.

Flowers- recipe etc.

Fruit-

Leaves-

Root-

Health: Any noted medicinal properties of the plant along with recipes or application. Organized by the medicinal uses.

Digestion- recipe or directions for stated uses.

Menstrual-

Poultice-

Vitamin-

Other: Any other relevant information or interesting facts.

Index

(of ‘common’ plant names)

BARREN STRAWBERRY (Waldsteinia fragaroides)

Rose Family (Rosaceae)

- Flowers from April to June; yellow.

Caution - not edible.

COMMON STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana)

Rose Family (Rosaceae)

-Flowers April to June; white.

Food:

Flowers- central portion of flower (receptacle) enlarges with maturity.

Fruit- fresh or cooked for a variety of pastries, sauces, jellies, jams and preserves.

Leaves- tea: 2 handfuls of fresh leaves with 1 quart of boiling water.

Stem- edible.

Root- edible.

Health:

Digestion- tea from leaves and rootstock is effective for diarrhea, dysentery and problems of urinary tract (especially convalescents and children).

- Berries slightly laxative.

Fever- pour water on crushed berries and drink.

Menstrual- tea of leaves over long period of time will regulate flow.

Vitamin- cup of tea from leaves equals the Vitamin C content of an orange. High iron content.

Teeth- whitens, cleans and removes plaque (berries).

DEWBERRY (Rubus spp.)

Rose Family (Rosaceae)

Food:

Fruit - Jell-O, brandy, jam, jelly and vinegar.

Leaves - cold drink, tea (dried leaves), salad (fresh leaves).

Health:

Colds- for sore mouth, inflamed throat: gargle tea from roots and leaves (fresh or dried).

Fever - decoction of roots or leaves or both can be drank four to five times a day (useful in excessive menstruation and fevers and hot distempers of body, head, eyes, etc.).

- one teaspoon of root and/or leaves to one cup of boiling water, steep fifteen minutes and use three or four times a day.

Hemorrhoids- leaves, bruised, and applied externally as astringent.

PRICKLY DEWBERRY (Rubus flagellaris)

- Flowers from June to September. See Dewberry.

HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense)

Horsetail Family (Equisetaceae)

Food:

Shoots - fertile shoots are edible.

Health:

Wounds- external application said to stop bleeding wounds and speed healing of ulcers.

Caution - Toxic if taken in large doses.

- used today by Herbalists for eye and skin treatment (silica).

Other:

- Diuretic, astringent.

- Natives historically used stems for stimulating diuretic in kidney disorders.

- Tea (conditioner for hair and stimulates circulation in scalp): 8 stems, half litre of boiling water (blend). Collect vegetative leafless stems, dry them in sun and tie in bundles.

- Stems for scouring pads, shinning metal or to give wood a final sanding.

DWARF SCOURING RUSH (Horsetail Family)

VIOLET FAMILY (Viola spp.)

(Violaceae)

- Flowers from March to July (depending on species).

- Most are edible, but some yellow species may be mildly cathartic.

Food:

-Use for baking to add unique flavours.

Flowers- tea: from leaves and flowers, 1 teaspoon of herb to 1 cupful of boiling water.

Leaves- greens and flowers steamed for 10 minutes or cooked like spinach by simmering in hot water for 10 minutes.

-thickener for soups, a trail side nibble

Health:

Colds- sore throat: leaves and flowers - half pint of water, steeped for half an hour, administer 2-3 tablespoons (more for adults) and gargle, every 2-3 hours.

- for flu season, mix yarrow leaves, dandelion greens and violet greens in a tea.

- antiseptic, expectorant.

External- place crushed plant compress on inflamed tumors, sore throat, swollen breasts and to back of neck for headache.

Tonic- from tea by mixing with other teas in equal parts (alfalfa, sweet yellow clover, birch, mint, catnip, rosehips).

COMMON BLUE VIOLET (V. papilionacea)

Food:

Flowers- into candies and jellies.

Leaves- high in vitamins A and C and can be used in salads (young leaves) or cooked.

BLUEBEAD LILY; YELLOW CLINTONIA (Ceintonia borealis)

Lily Family (Liliaceae)

-Flowers from May to August.

-Berries are somewhat poisonous.

Food:

Leaves- young are considered edible in salads or as boiled greens and apparently taste like cucumber - boil for ten minutes.

Health:

Poultice- Natives historically used the leaves for bruises and sores.

INDIAN CUCUMBER ROOT (Medeola virginiana)

Lily Family (Liliaceae)

Food:

Roots- can be used in salads.

Note - Plant is scarce today, therefore gather only when in abundance.

ROSE TWISTED STALK (Streptopus roseus)

Lily Family (Liliaceae)

- Flowers from April to June.

Food:

Stem- salad (young shoots similar to cucumber).

Note - Berries ripen in July, are mildly cathartic and may cause diarrhea if eaten in quantity.

SOLOMON'S SEAL (Polygonatum spp.)

Lily Family (Liliaceae)

Food:

Stem- young shoots (minus the heads) can be boiled for ten minutes and cooked like asparagus.

- salad: whole shoots can be gathered in early spring.

Root- roots talks can be boiled for twenty minutes like potatoes (all year).

Health:

Hemorrhoids- Relieve and cure if a tea solution is injected three to four times a day.

Poultice- fresh juice from the rhizomes and decoction of it dried is good for old and fresh wounds.

Caution - Do not confuse roots talks with the May Apple

Note- Gather only when abundant

HAIRY SOLOMON'S SEAL (Polygonatum pubescens)

Lily Family (Liliaceae)

- Flowers from May to July.

Food:

Roots- Natives historically ate roots raw or cooked and made flour also.

Health:

Coughs- tea can be made from the roots to treat.

Headaches- treated by fumes from a root solution when poured over hot stones.

SMOOTH SOLOMON'S SEAL (P. biflorum)

- Flowers from May to June.

FALSE SOLOMON'S SEAL (Smilacina racemosa)

- Flowers from April to July.

Food:

Fruit- berries (mildly cathartic) can be preserved with honey.

Root- roots talks are edible, however, roots talks should be soaked overnight in lye then parboiled.

Stem- salad: young shoots or can be prepared like asparagus.

Note - Use when abundant.

TRILLIUM (Trillium spp.)

Lily Family (Liliaceae)

- Flowers from April to June.

Food:

Leaves- salad, before leaves are fully unfolded (similar to raw sunflower seeds).

- cooked green, boil leaves ten minutes and serve with butter and vinegar.

Health:

-Underground roots talks historically gathered and chewed by Natives for variety of medicinal purposes. Ex: as aid to lessen pain and difficulty in delivery.

Hemorrhages- roots historically used for all forms.

Diarrhea- one teaspoon of powdered root boiled in 1 pint of milk helps (also one teaspoon of root to one cup of boiling water).

Other:

-Red Trillium smells like rotting meat in order to attract insects for pollination.

Note -range has been drastically reduced recently, should not pick often.

Caution - berries and roots are inedible.

WILD LILY OF THE VALLEY, CANADA MAYFLOWER (Maianthemum canadense)

Lily Family (Liliaceae)

- Flowers from May to June.

- Fruit ripens in July.

- Berries are reported to be bitter tasting and may cause diarrhea.

- Natives historically used root in a sore throat medicine.

WILD OATS, BELLWORTS (Uvularia sessilifolia)

Lily Family (Liliaceae)

- Flowers from April to June; yellow.

Food:

Stem- asparagus: discard the leafy portions of the young shoots and boil for 10 minutes. Collect young shoots in Spring. Source of Vitamin E.

Note - Gather only when abundant.

JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT (Arisaema triphyllum)

Arum Family (Araceae)

- Flowers from April to June; white.

- Berries in late summer to fall.

Food:

Root- for snacks cut fresh roots into very thin slices, then dry upwards of 3 months, can be crushed into flour.

- needle-like calcium oxalate crystals found in underground tuber, causes strong burning reaction if eaten raw. Eliminate by cooking.

- when acrid matter is driven off by heat (roasting), root yields pure delicate, amylaceous matter resembling arrowroot; white and nutritious.

- natives historically used dried or powdered roots for flour.

Note - Do not boil to rid acrid in roots - dry or roast it!

WATER ARUM; WILD CALLA (Calla palustris)

Arum Family (Araceae)

- Flowers from Late May to August.

- Fruit found in late summer and autumn.

Seeds and Root- Flour: thoroughly dried seeds (in the fall) and roots talks (fall and early spring) can be made into an unpalatable flour.

Note- Do not eat raw: same acrid biting property as Jack-in-the-Pulpit.

BLUE COHOSH (Caulophyllum thalictroides)

Barberry Family (Berberidaceae)

- Flowers from April to June.

Health:

- Steep 1 oz. of root in 1 pint of boiling water, steep half an hour, dose: two tablespoons every three hours in hot water for the following uses.

Pregnancy- tea may be used before birth to help ensure an easy delivery and reduce labor pains.

- tea may be used in case of threat of miscarriage because of its antispasmodic (relieves or prevents spasms) action, ease of false labor pains; therefore, tea can be used for last three to four weeks of pregnancy.

Menstrual - tea used to bring delayed or suppressed menstruation.

Rheumatic Pain - tea has reputation for easing rheumatic pain.

Cramps - tea relieves cramps and children's colic.

Caution - Can be very irritating to mucous surfaces and can cause dermatitis on contact.

- Children have been poisoned by the berries.

- Not good for anyone with high blood pressure - caulosponin constricts blood vessels to heart. Toxic effect on cardiac muscle.

- Seeds are poisonous.

OSTRICH FERN (Onoclea struthiopteris)

Food:

- High in oil and starch.

Fiddleheads- never harvest more than half from a cluster.

-collect in Spring before fronds begin to uncurl.

-do not boil, steam in very little water.

- for salad, gather when under 6 inches high and still tightly curled.

Rhizome- roast or bake for flour.

Note: Bracken Fern raw plant contains enzymes that can destroy Vitamin B1 (thiamin).

SENSITIVE FERN (Onoclea sensibilis)

Wood Fern Family (Dryopteridaceae)

FOAMFLOWER (Tiarella cordifolia)

Saxifrage Family (Saxifragaceae)

- Flowers from April to June.

MITTERWORT (Mitella diphylla)

Saxifrage Family (Saxifragaceae)

- Flowers from April to June.

HOBBLEBUSH, MOOSEWOOD (Viburnum alnifolum)

Honeysuckle Family (Caprifoliaceae)

- Flowers from May to June.

STARFLOWER (Trientalis borealis)

Primrose Family (Primulaceae)

- Flowers from May to August.

Other: Natives historically used root in smoke-making mixture to attract deer to hunters.

SKUNK CURRENT (Ribes glandulosum)

Gooseberry Family (Grossulariaceae)

- Flowers in June.

- Fruit from July to August.

- Berries have undesirable taste.

Other: Natives historically used root in remedy for back pain.

BASTARD TOADFLAX (Comandra umbellata)

Sandalwood Family (Santalaceae)

- Flowers from April to June.

Other: photosynthetic- manufactures own food but is also parasitic, it obtains some nutrients from the roots of trees and shrubs.

CHICKWEED (MOUSE-EAR) (Cerastium vulgatum)

Pink Family (Caryophyllaceae)

- Flowers from May to September.

- Leaves can be boiled and eaten as greens.

Food:

Leaves- in salad, tender leaves and stems, but if best boiled for five minutes because of the hairy leaves.

Health:

Constipation- palm full of chopped leaves to one cup of hot water and steep half an hour. Half cup twice a day or 1 cup twice a day.

Decongestant- (mild) in a tea.

Poultice- good for skin abrasions and wounds. Chop leaves and wrap in cloth, steep in warm water.

- mix juices with tallow for poultice for chapped lips.

-chopped and boiled as poultice for sores, swelling, inflammation of eyes, and skin ulcers.

Tonic- treats liver aliments, bronchitis, coughs, colds, rheumatism, bowels, stomach, lungs, kidney trouble, cramps and shrunken sinews (1 oz. of chickweed to one and half pints of water, simmered down to one pint. One every two to three hours.

- heart strengthener brings back vigor after illness.

Ointment- melt leaves in quarter pound or so of anhydrous lanolin. Bake in over for several hours then skim off the burnt herb. For sore legs and for rheumatic pains.

Other:

- contains Phosphorus.

YELLOW LADY'S SLIPPER (Cypripedium calceolus)

Orchid Family (Orchidaceae)

- Flowers from April to August.

- Protected species.

Health:

- Cherokee Indians historically made a preparation from the roots that was drank as a treatment for worms.

- Home remedy, the root is best roughly ground, five tablespoons in one pint of boiling water, steep for an hour, one tablespoon every hour as needed. Tincture and infusion of fresh root gathered in Autumn.

Headaches- remedies for headache, insomnia, and pain have been made from the roots.

- may calm nervous tension and cramps.

Caution: -Large doses can cause headaches.

- Fresh plants can cause dermatitis

COMMON WINTER CRESS (Barbarea vulgaris)

Mustard Family (Brassicaceae)

- Flowers from April to August.

Food:

Flower- tight flower clusters of buds should be boiled for five minutes in two changes of water and cooked like broccoli (otherwise they are bitter).

Leaves- young leaves for salads or cooked greens early in season.

- as weather warms, leaves become bitter therefore boil in two to three changes of water.

Note - Overcooking destroys taste and nutrients.

SHEPHERD'S PURSE (Capsella bursa-pastoris)

Mustard Family (Brassicaceae)

- Flowers from March to December; white.

- Late summer to fall for seedpods.

Food:

Leaves- young leaves can be used for salads or cooked like spinach; gather before the flowers appear.

- as flowers begin to develop seeds, leaves turn coarse to bitter - boil for 15 to 20 minutes in two changes of water.

Seeds- seedpods can be used as a peppery seasoning.

Health:

Cuts- tea: steep leaves for about 15 minutes and allow to cool, then can be applied to cuts to aid in constricting blood vessels.

Digestion- tea: stimulates bowel movements, some elimination of excess water retention.

Tonic- all around tonic: small palm full of fresh herb or two small palms full of dried herb with half cup of water, steep 15 minutes; take one cup every other day, a little at a time, for one week then discontinue.

- Specific for stimulation of menstrual process, can also reduce excessive flow (drink every 2-3 hours just before and during period).

- Contains Calcium, Vitamins C and K, sulphur, and sodium.

- Herb is a diuretic: for urinary infections, blood in urine.

- Useful for hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

Note - Do not keep dried herb more than two seasons because it breaks down and loses some of its useful properties.

PALE CORYDALIS (Corydalis sempervirens)

Poppy Family (Papaveraceae)

- Flowers from May to September.

- Historically the bitter roots used in remedy for parasitic intestinal worms and to promote menstrual discharge.

FRINGED POLYGALA; GAYWINGS (Polygala paucifolia)

Milkwort Family (Polygalaceae)

- Flowers from May to June.

CLUB MOSSES

Club Moss Family (Lycopodiaceae)

Ground Pine (Lycopodium dendroideum)

Ground Cedar (Dyphasiastrum digitatum)

Running Club Moss (Lycopodium clavatum)

Shining Club Moss (Lycopodium lucidulum)

Historical uses- spores prevents skin chafing, treats eczema, and open wounds.

-spores used to stop wounds from bleeding

- highly flammable: spores used in fireworks and photographic flashes.

Caution - Poisonous, however, spores are not

COMMON HAIR CAP MOSS (Polytrichum commune)

Hair Cap Moss Family (Polytrichaceae)

Other:

-Was used for bedding, to stuff pillows and to make small brooms for dusting.

LADDER LICHEN (Cladonia Verticillata)

Cladonia Family (Cladoniaceae)

FALSE PIXIE CUP (Cladonia chlorophaea)

Cladoniaceae Family (Cladoniaceae)

Other:

- Most commonly collected of the cup lichens.

COMMON LIVER WORT (Marchantia polymorpha)

Marchantia Family (Marchantiaceae)

Other:

- No fragrance, even when crushed.

COMMON MOREL (Morchella esculenta)

Food:

- Dried and cut into small pieces and later used for food after softened in water.

- Excellent stuffed or cut in long slices and sauteed in butter.

Caution - Do not confuse with false morels.

- Avoid morel-like mushrooms in summer and fall they are usually false-Morels.

WILD SARSPARILLA (Aralia nudicaulis)

Ginseng Family (Araliaceae)

- Flowers from June to August.

Food:

Fruit- berries make wine and add flavour to a beer.

Root- tea and rootbeer.

Health:

- Natives historically subsisted on the nutritious rhizomes and also used in remedies for nosebleeds, wounds and sores. Recorded as old Indian remedy to promote removal of blood toxins during pregnancy and to insure a painless childbirth.

- Contains Iodine and is a blood purifier.

Antidote- for deadly poisons. Cleanse stomach with an emetic, causing vomiting, and drink copiously of the tea.

Colds- use as syrup, one teaspoon to one tablespoon four times a day, depending on age and condition.

Poultice- one oz. of root boiled in one pint of water; apply three times a day.

- wash sores with tea.

- one of the best herbs to use for infants infected with venereal diseases.

Tonic- USA, in the mid 1800s - used as a way to eliminate poisons from the blood and to purify the system.

BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Heath Family (Ericaceae)

- Flowers from April to July.

Food:

Fruit- is edible but tasteless. Historically, berries were roasted.

Health:

Astringent- made from tea by steeping dried leaves in boiling water (sometimes used as a laxative).

-leaves and berries contain tannic and other acids and glycoside arbutin: with astringent and antiseptic properties.

Kidney & Bladder- treated from leaves and fresh berries. Infusion of one or two teaspoons of dried herbs three times a day.

- cover and steep one heaped teaspoon in one pint of boiling water for thirty minutes, strain and use warm as a douche; dilute if too strong (For female complaints, kidney and bladder disorders).

-for tea low in acid: use cold water, not hot, and steep leaves for twelve to twenty-four hours; too much will create a stomachache.

- can be used internally and as a douche.

Poultice- possibly, an infusion of leaves keeps poison-ivy rash from spreading.

- Externally it soothes sprains and swelling.

- Historically, Natives rubbed wet leaves on sore muscles and used a poultice from crushed and boiled plant.

Other- used as a dye - carmel color from leaves.

Caution - Long term use may produce toxic effects; normal use is safe.

HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium corymbosum)

Heath Family (Ericaceae)

- Flowers from April to June.

- Fruit from June to September.

Food:

Fruit- use fresh, cooked or dried.

Health:

- Leaves have Myrtillin which reduces blood sugar.

- The fruit is a blood purifier.

- Each ounce of fresh berries have calcium, phosphorus, iron, Vitamins B and C.

Diarrhea- one tablespoon extract with four tablespoons of water and drink every two hours to control.

Other:

Arrow shafts- for close range hunting.

Baskets- shoots and saplings used.

‘Craziness’- Low Sweet Blueberry (V. Angustifolium): Historically, dried flowers placed on hot stones was inhaled to treat.

WINTERGREEN (Gaultheria procumbens)

Heath Family (Ericaceae)

- Flowers from July to August.

- Fruit found from August to the following June.

Food:

Fruit- berries edible.

Leaves- to make tea or salad.

- a few leaves for tea only - sparingly - it is a powerful medicine.

Health:

Pain- a palm full of leaves, steeped for 30 minutes will act similar to aspirin, for sore throat, cold sore, mouthwash and gum sores.

Poultice- from tea can also be used for some skin maladies, sore joints and swellings (externally applied).

Caution - Large doses may cause vomiting and the pure oil of plant can irritate skin.

COMMON OR TALL BUTTERCUP (Ranunculus acris)

Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae)

- Flowers from May to September.

Other:

- Historically, leaves used in headache remedy.

- Roots contain an antibiotic principal, protoanemonine, apparently fight against a broad range of bacteria.

Caution- Contains varying amounts of acrid poison that can cause intestinal irritation if eaten or skin blistering if handled.

KIDNEY-LEAFED BUTTERCUP (Ranunculus abortivus)

Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae)

- Flowers from May to August.

- Historically used to treat syphilisand increase perspiration.

ROUND-LOBED HEPATICA (Hepatica americana)

Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae)

- Flowers from March to June; pinkish, lavender-blue, white.

WILD COLUMBINE (Aquilegia canadensis)

Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae)

- Flowers from April to July.

SWEET CICELY (Osmorhiza claytonii)

Carrot Family (Apiaceae)

- Flowers from May to June.

Food:

- Crushed leaves and carrot-like roots have licorice or anise-like odour.

- Said to be rank tasting.

- Harvest leaves throughout growing season.

Seeds- candy, syrups, cakes and liqueurs.

Leaves- fresh leaves for salads.

-fresh leaves for sweetening sour fruits in salads.

Roots- can be made into flour.

Health:

Appetite- said to increase.

Flatulence- said to decrease.

Antiseptic- qualities in roots.

-Historically, Natives chewed root for sore throats and mixed powdered roots with water to apply to sores.

RED CLOVER (Trifolium pratense)

Pea Family (Fabaceae)

- Flowers from May to October.

Food:

-Flowerheads and tender young leaves are difficult to digest raw. Can be eaten in quantity if soaked for several hours in salty water or boiled for five to ten minutes.

- Rich in protein.

Flowerheads- and seeds can be made into flour.

- dried, make a healthful tea when mixed with other teas (soothes the nerves).

- in salads or cooked.

Leaves- salads, or cooked. Tea.

Health:

- One teaspoon of cover to one cup of boiling water, steep for thirty minutes and drink four to six cupfuls a day.

Sore throat- gargle tea four to five times a day, swallowing fresh mouthfuls after each cleansing.

Rectal and vaginal irritation- hold the solution before releasing.

External- apply tea to affective part for removal of external cancer and indolent ulcers.

Other:

- Stores nitrogen in root nodules and used in crop rotation to improve soil fertility.

- Nitrogen fixation plant.

WHITE CLOVER (Trifolium repens)

- See Red Clover.

Food:

Flower- nectar is good.

Root- stalk, sweet but tough.

YELLOW SWEET COVER (Melilotus officinalis)

- Vanilla-like odour.

Food:

Stem- young shoots can be cooked like asparagus.

HOP CLOVER (Trifolium agrarium)

- Flowers from June to September; yellow.

- Same uses as Red Clover.

COW VETCH (Vicia cracca)

Pea Family (Fabaceae)

- Flowers from May to August.

Other:

- Used as crop covers.

- Occasionally reported to produce disease or loss of livestock, especially when seeds are ingested.

(POINTED) BLUE-EYED GRASS (Sisyrinchium angustifolium)

Iris Family (Iridaceae)

- Flowers from May to July.

RETRORSE SEDGE (Carex retrorsa)

Sedge Family (Cyperaceae)

COMMON PLANTAIN (Plantago major)

Plantain Family (Plantaginaceae)

- Flowers from June to October.

Food:

Caution: Unsoaked seeds can cause gastrinal intestinal problems.

Seeds- flour from stone-ground seeds.

Leaves- mature leaves are considered too stringy to eat, however the young leaves can be used in salads or cooked for ten to fifteen minutes and served with butter.

Note - do not overcook.

- tea from two large handfuls of leaves in one litre of boiling water and steep for half an hour.

Health:

- Whole plant is medicinal.

- Heal chronic wounds or sores internally or externally.

- Said to be a remedy for neuralgia.

Bites- juice of leaves for (snake or insects); one tablespoon every hour and apply bruised leaves to wounds.

Coughs- strong tea remedy.

Diarrhea- astringency aids in, hemorrhoids, and cystitis where bleeding.

Hemorrhoids- make a strong tea, steeped for thirty minutes, inject one teaspoon several times a day.

Internal- clarified juice and/or seeds into tea or jelly-like water to relieve intestinal pain of ulcers, excess menstrual flow and inflammation of the intestines.

- Kidney and bladder trouble.

Laxative- leaves have a mild effect.

Lotion/Poultice- for feminine wash: two tablespoons to one pint of water.

- infusion as skin lotion is said stimulating and cleansing.

Toothache- chew roots. Strong tea (leaves) relieves toothaches and gum problems.

Venereal diseases- in the first stages, a decoction of leaves and roots can be taken one or two times a day.

Vitamins- leaves are rich in A and C.

Uses:

Dye- Whole plant can be used.

Insect repellant- eat the greens.

BULL-HEAD LILY; YELLOW WATER LILY (Nuphar variegatum)

Water Lily Family (Nymphaeaceae)

- Flowers in spring and summer.

- Seeds found in late summer to fall.

Food:

Seeds- removed from pods can be fried like popcorn.

- parched kernel can be ground into flour or creamed like corn.

Root- stalks can be harvested in the fall or early spring.

- if larger roots talks flavour is too strong, boil in two or three changes of water.

YELLOW WOOD SORREL; SOUR GRASS (Oxalis europaea)

Wood Sorrel Family (Oxalidaceae)

- Flowers from May to October.

Food:

Leaves- sour taste, pleasant in salads but use sparingly because of presents of oxalic acid.

- cold drink: make tea with leaves, let cool and sweeten as desired.

Caution - Can be poisonous in large doses. Has been found that large amounts can cause calcium absorption problems.

BULRUSH

Great Bulrush; Tule (Scirpus validus)

Hard-stem bulrush (Scirpus acutus)

- Flowers from May to September.

Food:

Stem- salad or cooked vegetable. Use young shoots, collected in the spring or tender cores at the bases of older shoots (partly boiled and then steamed).

Pollen- used as a soup thickener. Can dry for later use.

Seeds- collected in the fall can be made into flour. Can dry for later use.

Root- leading tips of the rootstalks are rich in starch and sugar and can be roasted for several hours and eaten like potatoes or dried for flour.

- rootstalk flour is not as sweet as the ground seeds and pollen flour.

- Ash cakes are made from 50 percent bulrush rootstalk flour and 50 percent acorn flour.

Health:

- Good all around survival plant.

Poultice- hard rootstalk can be poulticed using tannic acid from boiling acorns and applied to wounds, bee stings, poison ivy, and other skin irritations.

Other:

Cordage and baskets- using the leaves. Basket splints from the stalks.

CATTAIL (Typha spp.)

- Flowers from May to July.

Food:

- Source of starch and carbohydrates.

Flower- boil green flowerstalks like corn on the cob.

Pollen- pollen used as a flour (dry it); use half and half with other flour.

Root- eat raw corms and shoots.

- used for flour, mash the stalk and let it sit in three changes of water.

Health:

Diarrhea- small palmfull of root flour in hot water (2 cups).

Antiseptic and numbing properties- gel at leaf base. Use on cuts and gums for tooth aches.

Skin irritations- boil corm and cool, apply to stings or to drain an infected area.

- boil leaves for rashes.

Toothbrush and paste- from stalk area where seed down was (removed) for brush and flour of rootstalk as a paste.

Other:

Cordage- can be made from the leaves.

Insulation- from seed fluff.

Mats- from dead stalks.

Tinder- from seed fluff.

Torch- heads dipped in tallow, will also help rid area of mosquitoes.

JEWELWEED (Impatiens pallida)

- Flowers from July to October.

Health:

Cleanser- can clean minor cuts when soap is not available.

Skin irritations- crushed stems and leaves and apply to poison ivy and nettle (stinging) rashes.

- mix with tallow for very itchy poison ivy rash; keep a vile of Jewelweed juice.

Other:

Repellant- juices and tannic acid of cedar bark (boiled) rubbed all over body.

SPAGNUM MOSS (Sphagnum spp.)

Peat Moss Family

Health:

Poultice- bandages for wounds.

- Some spp. have antibiotic properties.

Other:

Diapers

Toilet paper substitute

MINT (Mentha spp.)

- Flowers from July to August.

Food:

Leaves- can be made into tea; good hot or cold.

- old leaves are stronger tasting; weaker when flowering.

- palmfull of leaves for tea.

- salads and flavour for jellies.

Health:

- The aromatic patches of plants may be relaxing.

- Helps concentration and digestion.

Calming- tea alleviates nervousness, headaches, insomnia, stomach upset, and heartburn.

Fever- alleviates by wiping tea on body.

Skin irritations- baths in mint water is good for poison ivy rash.

- rub on chapped hands, stings and gums for toothaches.

Note - Too strong for infants.

- Prolonged use of strong tea; heart problems, one or two cups a day for four days maximum.

Other:

Repellant- leaves on hot coals rids insects and smells nice in shelter.

CATNIP (Nepeta cataria)

- Flowers from July to September.

Food:

Leaves- tea or cold drink.

Health:

Calming- effect for intestine problems and cramps.

- steep 12 to15 minutes for pain in intestines.

- steep 20 minutes for producing sweat or for relaxation (use leaves below flowerheads).

DOGBANE (Apocynom spp.)

- Flowers from June to August.

Other:

Cordage- fibres are strong and stringy, one of the most strong and durable.

Caution - milkly juice from stem is poisonous.

- young shoots may be confused with Milkweed.

CRANESBILL (Geranium maculatum)

Geranium Family (Gerniaceae)

Health:

- Dried root is medicinal.

- Decoction from one to two teaspoons of rhizome and drink three times a day.

Feminine - tone up mucous membranes and muscles of reproductive tract and reduce excessive bleeding (astringent); help relaxed vagina.

Irritations and internal problems - internal and external astringents from the root can be used for throat, sore mouth, rectum, indolent ulcers, diabetes, and excessive chronic mucus discharges.

Wounds - powder (root) applied for bleeding nose, wounds, and for extraction of teeth (cover with compress of cotton).

BICKNELL'S CRANESBILL (Geranium bicknellii)

Geranium Family (Geraniaceae)

- Flowers from July to September; pinkish to purple.

- Usually grows after wildfire or clearcutting.

Health:

Mouth irritations - roots were used to gargle for canker sores and throat.

Rectum - roots also used in remedies for diarrhea and hemorrhoids.

VIPER'S BUGLOSS; BLUEWEED (Echium vulgare)

Forget-me-not Family (Boraginaceae)

- Flowers from June to October.

- Dried plant alleged remedy for snake bites.

COMMON BURDOCK (Arctium minus)

Sunflower Family (Asteraceae)

- Flowers from July to October.

- Easily catches on fur and clothing and therefore has an excellent method of seed dispersal.

- Collect Leaves, leafstalks (spring); Roots (early summer); Flowerstalks (summer).

Food:

Flowerstalks- once cooked, can be simmed in sugar syrup to make candy.

Leaves- tender young leaves can be used in a salad. To cook as a green however, boil in four changes of boiling water, one and a half slow boiling hours).

- White pith (without bitter green rind) from young leaves and flowerstalks are excellent added to salads or prepared in the same method as the roots.

Stems- (before the flowers enlarge) can be peeled and eaten raw (like radishes) or boiled in a meat broth and eaten like asparagus.

Roots- remove the inedible rind, then boil for 30 minutes in 2 changes of water.

- left-over cooked roots can be dried for soup or thickener.

- roots from second year plants can be dried and stored; do not remove the medicinal rinds.

- can be roasted for coffee.

- Leaves and roots can be dried for other seasons.

Health:

Beer- from fresh roots of Burdock, Wild Sarsaparilla, and Spikenard to aid in blood purification.

Fever- bruised leaves applied to forehead for or to the soles of the feet.

Poultice- for bee stings: chew on a leaf and apply.

- wet bruised leaves to reduce glandular swelling.

- leaf packs are useful on inflamed liver area.

Purifying remedies- for blood, boils, skin and kidney diseases. Roots collected in the fall.

Skin problems- mild irritations, soak fresh or dried leaves or roots in cold water for 6-8 hours (minor open wounds also).

- root can be used to treat acne and other skin conditions. Relieves pain and itch of poison ivy, skin rashes, bites, and boils.

Tonic- tea for: stomach aliments, laxative, soothing, mild sweating; also tea is used to get the system back in order after a sickness (one half cup twice a day). Decoction of one teaspoon of dried root, drunk three times a day.

- the carbohydrates in the root strengthens the body.

- aids kidney function and to heal cystitis.

- Leaves are said to stimulate secretion of bile.

- All parts have a reputation for curing cancers.

- Large quantities of the leaves can cause upset stomach , sometimes cramps and diarrhea.

Other:

Fertilizer- dried and mulched.

Hair rinse- from a tea made from leaves. Also leaf tea cleanses the system and helps to give hair additional shine from within when drank.

Hand-drill- the stem is a good fire-starter (quick starting).

COMMON FLEABANE (Erigeron philadelphicus)

Sunflower Family (Asteraceae)

- Flowers from April to August.

DAISY FLEABANE (Erigeron annuus)

- Flowers from June to October.

COMMON DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale)

Sunflower Family (Asteraceae)

- Flowers from March to September.

Food:

Leaves- young ones can be used in salads or boiled for 5-10 minutes.

Flowerbuds- boiled for several minutes or pickled.

Roots- in Autumn the medium sized plants can be made into coffee; roast in slow oven till brown and brittle, grind and perk.

- Entire plant can be used to brew beer.

- Wine; make like any folk wine; improve flavour, add ginger, sliced lemon, and orange rind. Use one gallon of boiling water and three and half pounds of sugar to each gallon of flowers. Add wine yeast.

Health:

Digestion- mild laxative; aids as appetite stimulant.

Vitamins- leaves are rich in Vitamin A.

- high in A, B, C, and G.

- Natural source of potassium.

Tonic- palmfull of leaves in hot water; mild tea helps in digestion; strong tea is a stimulant and has diuretic properties. Decoction: 2-3 teaspoons of root and drunk three times a day.

- Juice of root to treat diabetes and liver diseases.

- One of the best plants for building up the blood and for curing anemia.

- Powerful diuretic: water retention due to heart problems.

- May help constipation, liver, gallbladder, rheumatism and skin disease.

Warts- removed by sap.

Other:

- Flowers as a dye (yellow); whole plant (magenta).

- Leaves for herbal baths and facial steams.

HAWKWEED

Sunflower Family (Asteraceae)

Mouse-Ear Hawkweed (Hieracium pilosella)

- Flowers from June to September; yellow.

Yellow Hawkweed; King Devil (H. pratense)

- Flowers from May to August; yellow.

Orange Hawkweed; Devil's Paintbrush (H. aurantiacum)

- Flowers from June to August; orange.

OX-EYE DAISY (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum)

- Flowers from June to August.

- Unwanted flavour in milk if eaten by cattle.

Food:

Leaves- young leaves in salad.

- somewhat pungent, strong flavoured.

Flowers- of English daisy can be made into wine.

SMALLER PUSSYTOES (Antennaria neodioica)

Sunflower Family (Asteraceae)

- Flowers from May to July.

YARROW (Achillea millefolium)

Sunflower Family (Asteraceae)

- Flowers from June to September; whitish.

Food:

Leaves- tea: steep for 10-15 minutes.

Health:

- Potassium source.

- Salicylic acid (aspirin) derivatives.

- Contains thryone, in sufficient quantities can cause abortions.

Cold- dried flowers, or the pressed fruit juice combined with other herbs induces perspiration and said to eliminate cold symptoms.

- mix tea with Wintergreen in a tonic for colds (one of the best remedies). Use a palmfull of dried herb to one cup water; one cup a day for two days only.

Fever- tea of leaves used to break down by causing perspiration. Acts as blood cleanser, opens pores.

Historical uses by Natives- a cure stomach disorders made by steeping leaves.

- a sleeping aid and laxative.

- Winnebago Indians steeped whole plant and poured into aching ear.

- Blackfoot Indians used leaf and flower for eye wash.

Internal bleeding- to stop internal bleeding, mix with Plantain and Comfrey (bowels, hemorrhoids and hemorrhages of lungs).

- Leaves used to stop bleeding and reduce swelling; said to cause nosebleed when put to the nostrils.

Mouthwash- for canker sores.

Poultice and skin wash- crushed leaves on fresh cuts or bruises or added to lard ointment to heal bruises.

- apply tea or expressed fresh yellow juice compress to sore nipples.

- Poultice for skin rashes (leaves). Infusion of one teaspoon to one cup of boiling water (3-4 times a day).

Uses:

- Flowers repel mosquitoes.

-Leaves on hot rocks said to repel insects.

Spiritual- a powerful herb used in sweat lodge ceremonies. Drank to induce sweating and placed on the hot rocks for air fragrance.

MILKWEED (Asclepias syriaca)

(Family: Asclepiadaceae)

- Flowers from June to August.

Food:

- Whole young plant is edible if boiled in four changes of boiling water, do not put plants in cold water during changes, rather put into boiling water.

Flowers- also can be boiled and eaten (two changes of water).

Health:

Skin maladies- make a poultice from tea of milky sap and apply externally (i.e. poison ivy).

Warts and athletes foot- applied externally, milky sap may clear up.

- May cause erratic heart beat.

Caution - Milk is poisonous (mild): boiling and several changes of water removes poison.

- Has poisonous look alike’s (in early shoots).

- Young shoots look similar to Dogbane and Butterfly-Weed.

- Young Milkweed has fuzzy leaves, Dogbane is smooth.

Other:

Fires- good bowdrill.

Cordage and weaving- one of the finest fibre plants. When drying it is a grayish colour. Silky, medium strength cordage for general use.

COMMON MULLEIN (Verbascum thapsus)

Food:

Leaves- dried or from dead plants in winter for tea.

Health:

Congestion- smoking dried leaves may help.

- also crush leaves in boiling water and breath vapors.

Note - Use only in moderation

Ear problems- oil from flowers said to help.

Tonic- flowers can also be used in teas. A sedative, has a soothing effect and aids in digestion.

- Powerful medicine.

Sore joints- make a poultice from tea of leaves.

Other:

Fires- best handrill.

Tobacco- an additive.

Torch- dip dead plant head in tallow and use.

STINGING NETTLE (Urtica spp.)

Nettle Family (Urticaceae)

- Flowers from June to September.

Caution- Do not handle with bare hands.

Food:

Leaves- can be cooked like spinach: cook in boiling water; rinse in hot water twice before eating.

Stems- young shoots, blanched, can be used in salads or soups.

- Tea: boil young shoots and leaves for several minutes, strain, sweeten as desired.

- All species of Nettles are edible.

Health:

Digestion- make strong tea. Also as an appetite stimulant.

Poultice- hot poultices of bruised leaves used for rheumatic discomfort (fresh leaves left too long on the skin encourages water blisters).

- Juice from the flower will cure stings.

- nettles applied directly to painful arthritis joints will acts as a counterirritant.

- used for hemorrhoids.

- Powdered leaves used as snuff to stop minor nosebleeds.

Skin wash- and a tea can be used for external minor infections and skin disorders.

- rinse can eliminate dandruff. Prevents hair loss and makes hair soft and shiny.

Tonic- Effective for urinary problems.

- has a reputation as a blood cleanser.

- encourages the flow of breast milk and lowers blood sugar levels.

Vitamins- large percentage of A and C, and also contains protein, iron, potassium, sodium and sulphur.

Other:

Cordage and weaving- fibrous bark can be used (best gathered in the fall). Gently pound plant with rounded rock. Used for bowstrings.

Fibre- stalks good as a flax for making cloth.

Stitching- fine and flexible fibre.

Tinder- good for bow-drill fire-starter (mature or after it dies).

Note - Drying the plant takes away its stinging properties.

BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis)

Dogwood Family (Cornaceae)

- Flowers from May to July; yellowish green.

- Fruit from July to August.

Food:

Fruit- can be eaten raw or cooked but some people find them not very palatable; if cooked, it is suggested to mix Bunchberries with other berries or fruit when making jams or jellies.

Note - Unripe berries may cause stomach upset.

Health:

Burns- a poultice can be used for small localized first and second degree burns: berries crushed and pressed on burn.

Cold and colic- remedy. The plant was used in remedy for colds and the roots used in a colic remedy.

Itching- one cup of berries in half a cup of tannic water relieves itching.

HAZELNUT (Corylus americana)

Food:

Nuts- can be collected in late summer and early fall.

- some people call the nuts "filberts".

- nuts are best eaten with acidic fruits and green vegetables.

- can be roasted and ground to produce flour.

- can also be used for candy.

- Contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur.

CEDAR, EASTERN WHITE (Thuja occidentales)

Cypress Family (Cupressaceae)

Caution- If oil is ingested in large quantities it will produce abnormally low blood pressure, leading to convulsions and death.

Health:

- Historically, it was used as a diuretic (internally), and externally for skin diseases.

Other:

- Cedar is excellent for mats, blankets, clothing because it is soft, resilient and durable.

Arrows- can be produced from cedar because it is easy to work, shape and bend.

Baskets- produces good splints. Twigs and small branches are good for baskets.

Construction- can be used for posts, poles, shingles, and canoe and boat building.

- boughs were or can be used as brooms, where the action deodorizes the house.

Craft- inner bark used for baskets, mats, blankets, containers, ladles and clothing. Skin the bark off a dead tree and soak several hours; produces medium strength cordage.

Hides- for smoking hides - gives the hide an light amber colour.

Insect Repellent- chips also ward off insects. Was used for cordage close to the skin because it is a preservative and it repels insects.

Smudging- especially with a mixture of sage and sweetgrass.

JUNIPER, Cedar Family (Cupressaceae)

Common or Ground Juniper (Juniperus communis)*

Creeping Juniper (J. horizontalis)

- Flowers in May.

- Fruit from May to June.

- Red berries are said to be toxic to livestock.

Common Juniper: Said to have been burned and used to fumigate an ill person's home or room and was also used historically to flavour gin.

Creeping Juniper: Historically fresh leaves were boiled and used cautiously for powerful medication (because it could result in death).

Food:

* Following uses with Juniperus communis.

Fruit- Common and Ground Juniper (Juniperus communis) crushed berries can be used for seasoning. For preparation, 5 to 6 berries are adequate, however, remove the fruit before serving.

- collect from August to September, some say it is best not to collect in wet areas because the volatile oils are stronger in these areas.

- Branches on a outdoor grill will give a smokey flavour to food.

Health:

* Following uses with Juniperus communis.

- Dose: several tablespoons of berries (softened by soaking) to one pint of boiling water for approximately half an hour or more.

Bathing- handful of leaves in bath is soothing.

Coughs and Colds- steam the berries and inhale.

Digestion- berries increase urine flow, strengthens stomach and the nerves.

Infected Gums and Breath- chew the berries.

Massage Oil- equal amounts of juniper berries and peanut oil. Add beeswax for ointment properties. Ointment for healing and useful for itches, scratches, and back problems.

Poultice- from the berries can be used for rheumatism, arthritis, bruises, ulcers and wounds. Pack mashed green berries on open wounds.

Worms- kills worms in both children and adults.

Caution- repeated use can cause kidney damage, however adequate amount aids kidneys, but do not use when inflamed; do not use if pregnant.

- Drying diminishes oil

Uses:

Cordage, Baskets and bows- rootlets are best for cordage and baskets.

- much the same uses as cedar.

PINE, Pine Family (Pinaceae)

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

Jack Pine (P. banksiana)

Red Pine (P. resinosa)

Jack Pine: Natives dug up the long roots, split them in half and rolled them up and soaked in water to loosen and remove the bark, they then used them for sewing things, such as canoe seams.

Red Pine: Natives used the sap or resin to make tar for waterproofing seams on birch-bark canoes and roofs.

Eastern White Pine: Natives used pine gum in a sore throat remedy and the bark in a cold remedy.

Pine in general:

Food:

- Shoots, inner bark, males cones (spring); needles (all year).

- The bark coarsely ground or powdered may be cooked with Irish Moss and Elm Bark.

Emergency food- firm young male cones can be boiled and inner bark can be made into flour, pine flavoured but nutritious.

- dry the inner bark and ground to flour like consistency. Cut inner bark and cook it like spaghetti.

- important to protect wound on the tree with hot pitch after.

Needles- chopped fine and steeped in hot water, fresh needles give a rich tea in vitamins A and C; light green needles from spring shoots make best tea.

Pollen- is edible from the male cones.

Root- cook rootlets.

Seeds- can be roasted ground into flour.

- seeds may be cooked with meat (Ojibwe).

Shoots- tender new shoots can be striped of needles and peeled.

Health:

- The Natives collected the leaves in the spring and used them to prevent scurvy.

Slivers, bites and sores- responds favorably from heated resin.

Vitamins- the needles contain large amounts of A and C.

Uses:

Containers- small roots and rootlets are long lasting.

- needles bound together for fine baskets which are durable.

Cordage- soaked roots can be braided into fairly strong cordage (not long lasting), best only used in an emergency or survival situation.

Dye- all species of pine cones can be used as a dye (browns).

Fire- good wood for heat and light.

Poultice- can be made of the inner bark. Fresh inner bark tied to wound, best not to let it dry out.

- for a bad wound, use fresh, clean sphagnum moss and hold in place by the inner bark.

BIRCH, Birch Family (Betulaceae)

White (Betula papyufera)

Black Birch (B. lenta)

Yellow Birch (B. lutea or alleghaniensis)

Food:

- Yellow Birch twigs have a distinctive wintergreen taste, white birch does not.

Inner bark- can be dried and ground into flour.

Sap- good for syrup.

- Sap and inner bark should be collected in the spring and the twigs can be collected all year round.

Twigs- can be used to make tea. Crushed twigs taste and smell of wintergreen. Can make beer.

Health:

- Drying the twigs may remove medicinal properties.

Acne- strong tea boiled for ten minutes; very effective.

Aching joints- a tea can be made from the leaves which also produces a diuretic effect.

Cankers and mouth sores- gargle the tea.

Poison ivy- when other methods fail, apply cooled tea from twigs to the affected area three times, once after each application dries.

Poultice- (strong) bark and leaves boiled for five minutes for a for skin maladies. Skin wash- use tea.

Splint- made from bark.

Stress- one half cup of strong tea per day as a sedative.

- The natural properties may cleanse the blood, expel worms and help rheumatism.

- Birch charcoal is absorbent in cases of poisoning, indigestion and gas bloating.

Uses:

- Historically Yellow Birch saplings were used as wigwam poles.

Baskets and canoes- bark can be used (Black Birch is more durable).

Dishes, torches, funnels and artwork etc.

Prevent decaying- bark was sometimes used as a wrap.

Shelters- Natives used birch bark as a waterproofing on wigwams.

Snowblind- bark can be used to protect the eyes from the brightness of the sun reflecting off the snow (seeing through the natural openings in the bark).

MAPLE, Maple Family (Aceraceae)

Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Sugar Maple (A. saccharum)

Silver Maple (A. saccharinum)

Red Maple: Flowers in May and fruit is found from May to July.

- Furniture can be made from maple and the bark was boiled and used as a dye or to produce a black "ink".

Sugar Maple: Flowers from April to May and fruits in the fall.

- Contains Vitamins B, phosphorus, calcium, enzymes.

- The fermented sap was/can be used to make vinegars to enhance flavour of foods i.e. venison.

- Wood was/can be used for a variety of utensils - spoons, ladles, paddles.

Silver Maple: Historically, the bark was used for medicine and food and the sap was also used for food.

- The wood was used for bowls.

Maple in general:

Food:

- Sap can be used for syrup from all species of Maples, but not as sweet as Sugar Maples.

Seedlings- gathered in early April, washed in cold water, can be used in either salads or cooked and added to other vegetables.

- can be used in soups: used whole or cut, add only near the end of cooking.

- can be dried for future use.

Health:

- Red Maple was historically Natives used as an application to soothe sore eyes.

Poultice- boiled leaves are used for boils.

Tonic- decoction of the leaves or bark strengthens the liver and spleen and relieves pain (Red Maple).

- bark or the leaves are a good medicine for the whole body and soothe the nerves.

- One large teaspoon to one cup of boiling water can be taken one to three cups a day, may be taken on an empty stomach.

Uses:

Fires- a medium hardwood which is good for moderate heat and light.

Splint baskets- saplings or shoots.

OAK, Beech Family (Fagaceae)

White Oak (Quercus alba)

Bur Oak (Q. macrocarpa)

Red Oak (Q. rubra)

- All oaks were used historically as a source of food (acorns), medicine (bark and acorns), and as a dye (bark) or for tanning [as in the case of Red Oak].

Food:

Nuts- can be ground into flour or meal.

- most oaks have extremely bitter acorns due to the abundance of tannin which can be eliminated by soaking in several changes of water until the water no longer turns brown or by placing the acorns in a porous bag and place it in a stream.

- dried and crushed acorns can be placed in a porous bag to remove tannins

- can be roasted and dipped in sugar syrup or brown sugar and eaten as candy.

- can be redried and ground into meal and used to make breads.

- acorn husks can be boiled for about an hour in a small amount of water.

Inner bark- flour can also be made by boiling in several changes of water then air-drying until it is nearly brittle, then grind.

Rootlets- for a good survival food, cook the tiny rootlets in several changes of water and add to stews and salads.

- Oak is rich in protein and fat.

Health:

Enema for hemorrhoids- mild tea: small palmfull of dried bark in one cup of water boiled for 20 minutes (no more than two cups a day, for two days) also can be made from the second and third changes of water and can be used to reduce fever and internal bleeding.

Poison ivy and fungal infections- strong tea from the acorn husks is good.

Sore throats, gum problems, and cold sores- strong tea from acorn husks.

Skin wash- the first boiling of water can be saved for an astringent.

Tonic- for the cold season or aiding digestion.

- Tea solution can be used to stop hair from falling out and stop dandruff.

Varicose veins- strong concentrated tea of the bark should be used as frequent compresses.

- Oak bark is best collected in the spring while the sap is still running (young trees).

Uses:

Hide tanning- tannin in acorns have been used in ancient techniques but not as good as brain tanning.

Poison ivy- a strong tea can be used as a wash for.

SUMAC, Cashew Family (Anacardiacea)

Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra)

- Flowers from June to July; fruit is red - June to October.

Staghorn Sumac (R. typhina)

- Flowers from June to July; fruit is red - June to September.

Food:

Berries- cold drink: collect clusters of ripe, hard berries (before the heavy rains wash off the acid hairs) and gently rub or bruise the berries and then soak them 10-15 minutes in cold water; remove and strain; sweeten as desired. Mild tea from the berries.

- Berries can be dried for future use.

- Dried berries can be soaked in water with maple syrup for a hot drink.

Leaves- strong tea.

Roots- stronger tea.

Health:

- Dose:Tea: (use less of Staghorn than Smooth Sumac) bark, new leaves, berries steeped in cold water for 30-45 minutes; one to two cups a day (quarter cup at a time).

Burns, fresh wounds, chronic ulcers, eczema- tannin extracts used externally.

Cold sores- roots can be chewed periodically for cold sores, but not too often.

Diarrhea- bark tea.

Reduce fever and mouth irritations- thin warm tea using the seedheads, simmer to almost a syrup like consistency.

Remedy (poison ivy)- poultice can be made from crushed seedheads and fresh leaves; good remedy for poison ivy.

Skin wash or stop bleeding- boil the roots, leaves, and seedheads for a strong tea; use as a general skin wash or to stop bleeding. A mild tea from the berries, steeped for a few minutes is good for stopping bleeding of minor skin abrasions.

Sore throat- tea from the bark of a young stalk; gargle.

Urinary problems- tea using the leaves.

Uses:

Blowguns- stalks.

Bow drill apparatus- stalks.

Pipe stems- stalks.

Poison Sumac (R. vernix)

- Flowers from May to July; fruit is whitish.

Caution - Touching Poison Sumac will give dermatitis worse than poison ivy. Cannot be used like the other Sumacs’.