Download Plants of Renfrew Ravine - Still Moon Arts Society

Plants of Renfrew Ravine
Plants Covered
Ferns
Native
● Deer Fern
● Sword Fern
● Maiden Fern
Trees
Native
● Alder
● Cottonwood
● Hemlock
● Oak
● Spruce
Shrubs
Native
● Flowering Red Currant
● Oregon Grape
● Salal
● Salmonberry
Wildflowers
Native
● Coltsfoot
● Dogwood
● Mountain Ash
● Plantain
● Skunk Cabbage
Introduced
Himalayan Blackberry
Introduced
● Buttercup
● Dock
● Fuki
● Holly
● Japanese Knotweed
● Morning Glory
● Tansy
● Lily of the Valley
Other
Native
● Horsetail
Introduced
● English Ivy
● Hops
Native Plants of Renfrew Ravine
Ferns
Deer Fern
Deer fern have sterile flat wavy leaflets 5 to 8
millimeters wide and fertile leaves that are
much thinner. Young deer fern leaves were
chewed by Hesquiat hunters and travellers as a
hunger suppressant. The leaves can be used
as a medicine for skin sores, which is said by a
Hesquiat elder while watching deer rub their
antlers on the stubs on the plant after the
deer’s antlers had fallen off.
Sword Fern
The Sword Fern is an evergreen fern that is native to
western North America. The dark green leaves can
grow up to 1.6 – 5.9 ft tall. Each leave live for 1.5 – 2
years and attach to the rhizome after withering. The
rhizome is a mass of roots usually found
underground. In the spring when no other food was
available the Native American peoples roasted,
peeled and ate the rhizomes.
Maiden Fern
Maiden fern can be distinguished by the distinctive
dark, often with black stripes and bright green leaf
tissue. Maiden fern prefer generally organic rich,
moist, and well-drained soil. Maiden fern are
especially known to grow near waterfalls and water
spewage areas.
Trees
Alder
Alder are a deciduous species of tree that
have alternating leaves with serrated
edges. Alders are most commonly found
near streams, rivers and wetlands. Alder
trees are important for an ecosystem as
they provide a symbiotic relationship with
nitrogen-fixing bacterium found in the root
nodules. The bacterium provides nitrogen
that the alder can use and through
photosynthesis the Alder trees provide
sugars for the bacterium. This mutual
relationship improves the fertility of the soil
surrounding the area in which the alder
grows. Alder is sought after to be used in the creation of furniture.
Cottonwood
Cottonwoods are large trees that grow up to
the heights of 30 meteres to 50 meters. The
leaves on the cottonwood are dark and
glossy on the topside and have an acute tip.
Cottonwoods have high levels of rooting
hormones that allow them to sprout readily.
This allows the tree to sometimes
regenerate after logging operations by
regenerating from the rooting of partially
buried fragments or from stumps.
Cottonwood trees are excellent as they have
short fibers and are lightweight, which allow
them to be used in the production of high-quality book and magazine paper. Cottonwood trees
can also be used medicinally in the creation of slaves from the inner bark that would be used to
treat wounds and a number of illnesses.
Hemlock
Hemlock can be recognized as a medium to large sized
evergreen tree that range from 10 - 60m tall. The bark is
commonly deeply furrowed with colour ranging from grey
to brown. The branches are arranged horizontally from the
trunk and are usually arranged in a flattened downwards
towards the tip. Hemlock leaves are arranged spirally on
the stem and are slightly angular. Hemlock have adapted
to relatively moist, cool areas with high rainfall, cool
summers and little to no water stress. Hemlock trees are
important for the the timber industry as they are used for
wood pulps. Many species are used for horticulture ( a
branch of agriculture that deals with art, science and
technology) and to be cultivated in gardens.
Oak
Oak trees can be identified by the spirally arranged
leaves and some species having serrated leaves. A
single oak tree in the spring produces both male
flowers and female flowers. Oak trees produce a fruit
called an acorn that contained in a cup like structure
called a cupule. The acorns of oak trees were eaten
by the Salish peoples after soaking to leach out the
bitter taste. The bark was also used as ingredients in
the Saanich ‘4 barks’ medicine used to treat
tuberculosis and other ailments.
Spruce
Spruce trees can be distinguished by their needles/leaves
attached in a spiral fashion to the branch. After 4 - 10 years the
needles/leaves are shed, leaving the branches with a rough
retained pegs. The needles of the Spruce treets were thought to
give special powers for protection against evil thoughts. The
Ditidaht and other Nuu-chah-nulth people sued the needles in
winter dance cermonies to protect the dancers and to ‘scare’
specators. The Makah peoples were said to eat the young
shoots raw as they were an excellent source of vitamin C.The
inner bark was used as a laxative by the Nuxalk. The toors
were carefully pulled out of the ground in the early summer and
‘cooked’ briefly to prevent them from turning brown, then
peeled, split and bundled for later use.
Shrubs
Flowering Red Currant
The Flowering Red Currant is a deciduous shrub growing to 2m
tall and wide, which also have a bark that is a dark
brownish-grey color. The leaves of the flowering red currant are
2 – 7 cm long and wide and also have flowers which grow the
same time as the leaves are produced that have up to 5 red or
pink petals. The berries are edible but tasteless. They were
eaten by various Coast Salish groups such as the Squamish,
Cowichan, Sechelt and Saanich.
Oregon Grape
Oregon Grape is a species of flowering
plant that is an evergreen shrub
growing to 1m tall and 1.5m wide. The
leaves resemble holly and the stem
and twigs have a thickened, corky
appearance. Oregon Grape produce
small purplish-black fruits, that are very
tart and contain seeds. The fruits are
sometimes used to make jelly alone or
mixed with other sweeter fruits. The
juices of the fruit can also be used to
make wine as well the inner bark is
able to be harvested to yield yellow
dye, while the fruit yields purple dye. Oregon Grape can also be used medicinally to treat
indigestion, and can be useful in treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.
Salal
Salal can grows up to 0.2 – 5 meters in height. The leaves
are a dark shade of evergreen and leaves are spoon
shaped with a sharp tooth edge. The flowers are bell
shaped that face towards the ground. The flowers are a
pink and white color which can grow up to 15mm in length
on the ends of branches. By shaping a Salal leaf into a
tiny cone you can create a cup. The dark juicy berries are
important for aboriginal peoples as they are plentiful in on
the Northwest Coast. The fruits can also be eaten fresh or
dried and put into cakes. The berries can also be used to
prepare jams or preserves and ripe berries hard great for
their flavour and juiciness.
SalmonBerry
Salmonberry is an attractive shrub that is
a favorite of hummingbirds. It is usually
found in open forest and in sun or part
shaded areas. The roots of Salmonberry
prevent erosion, as the soil is held intact
at the edge of rivers, streams and lakes.
Salmonberry is great for attracting
wildlife, especially hummingbirds.
Salmonberry will in time form a dense
thicket that will provide an ideal spot for
nesting birds and small mammals alike.
Salmonberry bushes do contain berries
that are edible. The taste ranges from
bush to bush and year to year, if you do plan on tasting some please pick the berries where
there is an abundance of salmon berries that support harvesting.
Wildflowers
Coltsfoot
Coltsfoot is a herbaceous and perennial plant, meaning
that it lives for more than two years. Usually coltsfoot is
found in colonies of dozen and its flowers resemble
dandelions superficially. Coltsfoot is typically 10 - 30 cm
in height and have angular teeth on their margins.
Coltsfoot has been used a herbal medicine and
consumed as a food product in some sweets. Austrians
have used coltsfoot medicinally as tea or syrup or even
applied externally to treat disorders of the respiratory
tract, skin, locomotor system, viral infections, flu, fever
and gout. Coltsfoot has been documented containing a
toxin that when used in tea has caused severe liver
problems in infants.
Dogwood
The distinctive bark, flowers and berries can
generally distinguish dogwoods. The leaves of the
Pacific Dogwood are opposite, simple, oval 8 – 12
cm long and 5 – 8cm wide. The berries that the
Dogwood produces are pink-red berries that
contain 50 – 100 small seeds inside; the berries
are edible but not that delectable. Some Plateau
Indian tribes used the bark of the Dogwood as a
laxative and to induce vomiting that was used
medically to expel substances from the body.
Mountain Ash
Mountain Ash can be identified by the slender trunk
and the red fruit that develop from the small white and
yellowish flowers that bloom in the spring. The red
fruit that grows from these flowers riper in August to
October and are eaten by many bird species. The
berries were not generally eaten by the northwest
coast peoples, but the Haida sometimes ate the
berries raw. The berries are now used occasionally to
make a tart jelly, which is served with game. The
Nuxalk peoples also used the berries to combat lice
and dandruff by rubbing the berries on their scalps. In
traditionally Australian medicine the berries were used to treat internal disorders of the
respiratory tract, fever, infections, colds, flu, and gout.
Plantain
Plantains are herbaceous plants that can be
identified by the three to five parallel veins on the
leaves. Plantains are most commonly found in
wet area like bogs and can be found all over the
world including, America, Asia, Australia, New
Zealand, Africa and Europe. Plantain has been
used since prehistoric times as herbal remedies.
The herb is an anti-toxic, antimicrobial,
anti-inflammatory, and anti-histamine which
makes it great for insect bites, poison-ivy rashes,
minor sores and boils. The leaves can also be
used as a leaf vegetable in salads and green sauces.
Skunk Cabbage
Skunk cabbage is grown from a short thick underground
root. The plant is anchored firmly in the ground by
numerous white roots. The leaves of the plant are giant
egg and lance shaped leaves that have a bright green
shine to them. The flower head reaches from 30 – 50 cm
and is detectable due to the odor that is released. Skunk
cabbage roots are used by bears who consume the plant
after hibernation as a laxative. It was also used to wrap
line berry baskets and to wrap around whole salmon and
other foods when baked under a fire. Skunk cabbage can
Other
Horsetail
Horsetail have little to no leaves, which make the plant usually
non-photosynthetic. Horsetails prefer mostly wet sandy soil, though
some are semi-aquatic and others have adapted to wet clay-like soils.
Horsetails are also unaffected by many herbicides that are intended to
kill seed plants. If eaten over time, horsetails can be poisonous to
grazing animals, especially horses. Horsetail can also be eaten
cooked or raw when young. Horsetails are also used to make a green
dye as well as used for polishing tools by Indians. In ancient Greek
and Roman records, horsetails were used medicinally to treat
bleeding, tuberculosis, to heal wounds, and kidney illnesses. In South
America horsetail is administered orally to reduce swelling, caused by
urinary infection, bladder and kidney disorders. It should be noted that
there is insufficient evidence to draw conclusions towards horsetail being able to effectively treat
all human illness as described.
Introduced Species
Shrubs
Himalayan Blackberries
Himalayan Blackberries are petite, white or faint
pink flowers with prickly stems, the canes grow up
to 3 meters in height and 12 meters in length. The
Himalayan blackberries spread by roots and stem
fragments and animals such as birds, bears and
foxes that disperse the seeds. Humans also
contribute to the introduction of Himalayan
Blackberries into the environment by planting their
canes. Himalayan Blackberries outcompete low
growing native vegetation by causing shading and
build-up of dead leaves and stems. Blackberries
take over stream channels and reduce sight lines as well as increasing soil erosion by
out-competing with low growing shrubs
Wildflowers
Buttercup
Buttercup can be identified by the especially lustrous and colorful
yellow flowers. Buttercup usually flower in the spring, but can be
found throughout the summer, especially where the plants are
growing as they act as opportunistic colonizers. All buttercup
species are poisonous when eaten; this usually causes
buttercups to be untouched. Upon consumption the symptoms
include bloody diarrhea, excessive salivation, abdominal pain,
and severe blistering of the mouth. As buttercup die, the toxin
degrades, allowing for safe consumption.
Dock
Dock are a very common herb that grows in the Northern
hemisphere, but some species of Dock have been introduced
elsewhere. Dock can be identified by the fleshy to leathery
leaves from the root. The flowers are carried above the leaves
and can function as a male or female. Dock has been used for
tanning as the leaves contain up to 25% of a molecule called
Tannin that is used for tanning. Dock is also used a traditional
remedy for the string of nettels.
Fuki
Fuki is also known as bog rhubarb, japanese sweet coltsfoot and is
a herbaceous plant. Fuki contains a toxin known as pyrrolizidine
alkaloids which has been associated with cumulative damage to
the live and linked to tumor formation. Fuki also contains a
carcinogenic. Fuki can be traditionally prepared by pre-treating
with ash or baking soda and soaking in water to remove harshness.
The shoot can then be chopped up and stir fried with miso to make
Fuki-miso which can be used as a topping on rice. The bulb-like
shoots can also be picked and fried as tempura. In Korea, Fuki is
steamed and then pressed to remove water. Sesame oil is added
to make namul(seasoned vegetable dish).
Note: They can also be used as umbrellas!
Holly
Holly can be identified by the glossy green and spiny
margin on the leaves. Holly produce fruits, which can range
from being coloured red to brown to black and rarely green
or yellow. Holly quickly moves into native forest and thrives
in shady areas. In these areas Holly crowds out the native
species and starts to take over.The fruits of Holly are
generally toxic to humans, causing diarrhea or vomiting
when ingested. The leaves of Holly plants can also
sometimes cause diarrhea nausea, vomiting, and other
stomach and intestinal problems. However, the fruits are an
important food source for animals such as birds, which help disperse the seeds.
Japanese Knotweed
Japanese Knotweed has small white-green
flowers that grow in clusters along the stem
and leaf joints. The stems grow 1 – 5 meters
in height at maturity and the leaves grow to 8
– 10 centimeters wide and 15 centimeters in
length. A factor that differentiates the
Japanese Knotweed from others is that the
leaves are arranged in a zigzag pattern along
the stem. Knotweed spreads rapidly
throughout the root system and tend to thrive
on fresh soil in moist locations. Infestation can
dominate road banks, riverbanks and
rights-of-way. Knotweeds threaten biodiversity
and disrupt the food chain and increase soil erosion potential and disrupt food chains by
reducing available habitat and increasing soil erosion potential.
Morning Glory
Morning Glory can be distinguished by their
flower’s that unravel into full bloom in the morning.
They prefer full sunlight exposure throughout the
day and moist soil. Morning Glory was first known
in China for it’s medicinal uses due to the laxative
properties in its seeds. Morning Glory was
introduced to the Japanese in the 9th century and,
were the first to cultivate it as an ornamental flower.
In the Edo period, Morning Glory was very popular
and used often.
Tansy
Tansy is a herbaceous plant with finely divided compound leaves
and yellow, button-like flowers. The smooth stout is usually 50 –
150cm tall and branching near the top. The leaves grow in an
alternating pattern and are 10 – 15cm long. The roundish
button-like flower at the top is produced in clusters from mid-to-late
summer. The scent of the flower is close to rosemary. The leaves
and flowers are toxic when consumed him high quantities; the
volatile oil contains toxic compounds that cause liver and brain
damage. Tansy has historically been used to treat intestinal worms,
digestive problems, fevers, sores and to “bring out” measles. Tansy
was used in the Middle Ages to induce abortions and used to help
prevent miscarriages. Tansy has also been used for its insect
repellant in the worm warding type of embalming
Lily of the Valley
Lily of the valley is a sweet scented and highly poisonous
herbaceous and perennial (living for more than two years) plant.
The stems grow to 15 - 30 cm tall with one or two leaves that
grow out to be 10 - 25 cm long accompanying the plant. The
flowers form a bell shape at the base and are sweetly scented. In
Christian legend, the plant sprouted from the tears of Virgin Mary
after the crucifixion of Jesus. Lily of the valley has also been
used as a symbol in religious paintings and considered as the
second coming of Christ. All parts of the plant are highly
poisonous, including the red berries that grow and are attractive
to children. If consumed, even in small amounts the plant can
cause stomach pains, vomiting, reduced heart rate, blurred vision, drowsiness, and red skin
rashes.
Other
English Ivy
English Ivy grows rapidly and needs very little light or
water once established and even grows during the
winter. English Ivy has dull green, lobed leaves with
light veins that grow alternately along trailing or
climbing stems. Ivy covers shrubs and encircles trees
of all sizes that eventually lead to the plants dying
from not receiving enough light due to being shaded
by the ivy.
Hops
Humulus lupulus or more commonly called, Hops
is a species of flowering plant. Every spring it
shoots its seeds out and die when the weather
gets cold. Hops can be seen overgrowing, but not
entirely affecting plant ecosystems. Hops are
mainly used as an ingredient in beers as it
provides a bitter flavor and has preservative
qualities.
References
Himalayan Blackberries:
http://bcinvasives.ca/invasive-species/identify/invasive-species/invasive-plants/himalayan-black
berry/
Japanese Knotweed
http://bcinvasives.ca/invasive-species/identify/invasive-species/invasive-plants/knotweed/
English Ivy
http://bcinvasives.ca/invasive-species/identify/invasive-species/invasive-plants/english-ivy/
Deer Fern
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blechnum_spicant
http://nativeplantwildlifegarden.com/deer-fern/
Skunk Cabbage
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lysichiton_americanus
Salal
http://www.bcadventure.com/adventure/wilderness/wildflowers/salal.htm
Hops
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humulus_lupulus
Sword Fern
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polystichum_munitum
Salmon Berry
http://www.nwplants.com/business/catalog/rub_spe.html
Buttercup
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranunculus
Alder
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alder
Cottonwood
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Populus_trichocarpa
Plantain
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plantago
Oregon Grape
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahonia_aquifolium
Tansy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tansy
Dogwood
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornus
Flower Red Current
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ribes_sanguineum
Horsetail
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equisetum
Coltsfoot
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tussilago
Hemlock
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsuga
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horticulture
Maiden Fern
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adiantum
Lily of the Valley
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lily_of_the_valley
Morning Glory
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morning_glory
Oak
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oak
Dock
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rumex
Spruce
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spruce
Holly
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holly
Mountain Ash
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorbus_aucuparia
Fuki
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petasites_japonicus