Family: Orchid/ Orchidaceae Ecology/ Botany: This fragile, perennial orchid is hidden away in the mossy, shaded forest floor of zones like Interior Cedar Hemlock or Interior Douglas Fir. It only grows with specific fungi, so it is almost impossible to transplant. It has delicate roots that are easily harmed so it is usually exterminated in […]
Family: Primulaceae or Primrose Ecology/ Botany: These perennial, earthly stars prefer open meadows with spring moisture when in bloom. They like the dry climatic regions in forest zones of Interior Douglas Fir or Ponderosa Pine but are also frequently found along coastal British Columbia and Washington. Medicinal/Traditional/Other Uses: They have been used as a charm […]
Family: Asteraceae/ Daisy/ Sunflower/ Aster Ecology/ Botany: These bright perennials have a variety of species that can be difficult to distinguish from one another. Most varieties can be found in openings of montane forests. Medicinal/ Other Uses: Arnicas various species are well known as topical analgesics (pain-relievers) for bruising, swelling, cuts, arthritis, etc. Nlaka’pamux (Thompson) […]
Family: Crassulaceae/ Sedum Ecology/ Botany: This perennial succulent spreads low to the ground. It grows in rocky, thin soil on dry, open slopes or rock outcrops and ridges. It grows in dry, moist, and wet regions but prefers moister regions in Engelmann Spruce- Subalpine Fir forest zones. Medicinal/ Other Uses: Syilx (Okanagan) people have used […]
Family: Polemoniaceae/ Phlox Ecology/ Botany: Some other wild Phlox species are similar and difficult to tell apart. This perennial prefers arid, desert-like climates on Sagebrush slopes in Bunchgrass or Ponderosa Pine forest zones. Medicinal/Traditional/Other Uses: A tea of the whole plant has been used to treat anemic children by Syilx (Okanagan) people. References/Other useful Links: […]
Family: Asteraceae/ Daisy/ Sunflower/ Aster Ecology/ Botany: This perennial grows scattered in dry to moist forest meadows at any elevation. It prefers the Engelmann Spruce- Subalpine Fir forest zones. Medicinal/Traditional/Other Uses: Arnicas various species are well known as topical analgesics (pain-relievers) for bruising, swelling, arthritis, etc. Nlaka’pamux (Thompson) people have used them for this purpose […]
Family: Asteraceae/ Aster/ Daisy/ Sunflower Ecology/ Botany: This luminous, widespread perennial grows from low to subalpine elevations in rocky forest openings and meadows. It prefers Engelmann Spruce- Subalpine Fir, Coastal Western Hemlock, or Interior Cedar Hemlock forest zones. It blooms midsummer and can last until snowfall, hence the name everlasting. Medicinal/ Traditional/ Other Uses: Nlaka’pamux […]
Family: Onagraceae/ Evening Primrose Ecology/ Botany: This unique, annual beauty grows at mid-elevation in open areas with sandy, well-drained soil. It likes Interior Cedar Hemlock, Douglas Fir, or Ponderosa Pine forest zones. Medicinal/Traditional/Other Uses: It has been used for the treatment of eyes. The seeds are edible. References/Other useful Links: E-Flora BC Atlas Page/ linnet.geog.ubc.ca https://temperate.theferns.info/plant/Clarkia+pulchella
Family: Ranunculaceae or Buttercup Ecology/ Botany: This tap-rooted perennial grows in moist, open forests from low to subalpine elevations. It likes disturbed areas like roadsides and avalanche chutes in Sub-Boreal Spruce and Montane Spruce forest zones. Medicinal/ Other Uses: Indigenous North Americans have used it as a good luck and love charm. It is not […]
Family: Orobanchaceae/ Broomrape Ecology/ Botany:This widespread perennial grows at mid to high elevations on open, grassy slopes or disturbed ground. It prefers Engelmann Spruce-Subalpine Fir forest zones. It takes selenium from the soil and is high in this mineral where the soil content is high. Medicinal/ Other Uses:It was considered sacred to some indigenous cultures. […]