Native American Use for Plants Flashcards
Oaks (Quercus sp.)
Acorns were the primary food source for a number of California Indians. Acorns were collected, leached with water in stream and basket to remove tannins (Wine) then heated with rocks for mush.
Elderberry (Sambucus sp.)
One of the richest sources of vitamin C! Stems used for arrow shafts and flutes. Raw berry can cause nausea but dried or cooked are OK.
Laurel Sumac (Rhus sp.)
Indians would use the leave as a mosquito repellent. Lemonade Berry (Rhus intergrifolia) has berries that are soaked and hairs removed to make pink lemonade.
Yucca, Our Lords Candle (Yucca sp.)
The leaves are very strong and used for water proof baskets. The leaves were used as a needle and thread to make clothes and homes. The root is used for soap.
Cactus (Opuntia sp.)
The red fruits are edible but watch for very small spines. The green leaf can be cooked and eaten and is still commonly done in LA.
California Coastal Sage (Artemisia californica)
Burned for ceremonial reasons.
Willow (Salix sp.)
The leaves of willow is what they make aspirin from and the Indians would chew them for toothaches.
California Buckeye
The seeds were ground to fine dust and put in the stream to catch fish.