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Madrone, Arbutus menziesii
Pursh. Typically found in coastal areas of
northern California, Oregon, Washington and BC, Canada. Evergreen,
broadleaf tree.
Food: Vancouver Salish used reddish
bark in decoction when cooking to dye camas bulbs pink. Berries have
been eaten, but little documentation. Berries were cooked before
eating. Also, they were stored after steaming, drying and
reconstituted in hot water before eating. Berries were smashed and made
into a cider like drink. Cider claimed by Miwok as an appetite stimulant
and said to resolve upset stomach. |
| Medicine: Saanich and other
nations used bark and leaves for treating colds, tuberculosis, to treat
stomach problems and as a post partum contraceptive. Decoctions of
plant were also used as an emetic (Concow nation), which belays one
from imbibing nonchalantly. Leaves were used by Cowichan of
Northwest as burn treatment, dressing. Also, leaves were eaten off
tree for relieving cramps. Chewed leaves said to relieve sore throat
(chew, swallow juice, but don't swallow leaves). Leaf infusion used by
Skokomish to treat colds and treat ulcers. Bark infusion was used to
treat diarrhea. Bark decoction used for washing sores, wounds, impetigo,
said to be astringent. Bark decoction also used as a gargle for sore
throat according to Pomo and Kashaya. Karok used leafes in puberty
ceremony.
Veterinarian: Livestock eat flowers as did
many wild animals. Leaves are eaten by cows. Infusion of
leaves and bark was used by native Americans to relieve sore muscles in
horses. |
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