In honor of National Native American Heritage Month, we are highlighting Native American Tribes and their deep connection with plants. Last week we focused on Utah native plants and Tribes of Utah. This week we will showcase plants from all over North America, along with the corresponding Tribes.

Northern Maidenhair (Adiantum pedatum)

This graceful fern growing in the Medicinal Garden serves multiple uses as medicine, fiber, and decoration. It is native to the eastern half of North America. The Cherokee use a decoction from the whole plant to treat fever. The Hesquiat Tribe value this fern for its ability to enhance endurance; Hesquiat dancers take it to stay light on their feet, allowing them to dance for extended periods without tiring. Similarly, dancers from the Nitinaht Tribe also use it to make them light-footed. Additionally, the Karok and Makah Tribes use the dark stems in their basketry to make black color within their design.

Boxelder Maple (Acer negundo)

This is the most widely distributed of all the North American maples, spanning from coast to coast and stretching from Canada to Guatemala. It can be seen growing in our Natural Area. This tree is highly valued for its natural sweetness, a trait appreciated by many Indigenous Tribes. The Apache, Chiricahua, and Mescalero Tribes utilize its inner bark as a dried food and sweetener. They scrape and dry the inner bark for winter use and boil it to crystallize its sugar.

Stinking Gourd (Cucurbita foetidissima)

This versatile plant that can be seen in the Water Conservation Garden has a wide range of uses, including medicine, food, dye, and ceremonial purposes. It grows in the central and southwestern United States (including Utah) and Northern Mexico. The Cahuilla Tribe applies its pulp to treat open sores, and dried gourds are crafted into ladles and rattles. The seeds are ground into flour to prepare a nourishing mush, while the bright yellow blossoms are used to produce dye. Additionally, both the root and fruit serve as natural soap and bleach.

Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
Native to eastern north America, Sassafras can be found from southwestern Maine to eastern Texas and central Florida. Sassafras roots are famously known as the original source of root beer, but Native Americans have been crafting beverages from Sassafras for centuries. The Cherokee and Chippewa Tribes use the roots to make a pleasant, tea-like drink. Beyond beverages, Sassafras is highly valued as a medicinal plant. Many Tribes regard it as a blood medicine. The Chippewa and Choctaw use the roots to thin the blood, while the Iroquois utilize it to treat high blood pressure and nosebleeds. It can be seen growing in the Herb Garden.

False Aloe (Manfreda virginica)

The roots of this plant hold siginificant medicinal value. It is native to the central and southeastern United States and northeastern Mexico. The Catawba, Creek, and Seminole Tribes all use the roots to treat snake bites. The Cherokee Tribe uses the roots to treat diarrhea. Loo for it in the Medicinal Garden.

All of these plants showcase the profound understanding that Native people have of their environment. These traditions and practices are still in use and remain significant today. Come visit the Garden to see these incredible plants and learn more about their rich histories and continuing importance to Native Americans.

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Photos by, Jason W. Baker, Glenn M. Eurick, and Heidi M. Simper