Native Flora of the San Juan Islands

The Pacific Northwest region of North America, is home to a rich diversity of plant life.

Indigenous peoples who have lived in this region for thousands of years have developed deep relationships with the plants, using them for food, medicine, and cultural practices.

After a great day of sailing aboard Nawalak, we usually drop anchor in a secluded cove, launch the silent, electric-powered dinghy and head for shore. It’s nice to stretch the legs out and explore the many excellent hiking trails that exist here. While we walk through Usnia draped canopied trails, who can resist putting your hands on the smooth, greenish core of the Madrone tree, next to its flaking paper-like bark or picking wild berries by the handful for a delicious snack. Just stay away from the Devil’s Club! Here are some of the plants and trees we see while walking about, and their traditional uses dating back to pre-contact. 

Usnia

Usnia, also known as Old Man’s Beard or Beard Lichen, is a type of lichen that grows on trees and rocks in the Pacific Northwest. It has long, thin, hair-like structures that give it its distinctive appearance. 

Usnia has been used by indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest for centuries as a medicinal herb. It is believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, and has been used to treat a variety of conditions including sore throats, respiratory infections, and wounds.

To prepare Usnia for medicinal use, it is often boiled in water to create a tea or tincture. The tea can be drunk or used as a gargle for sore throats, while the tincture can be applied topically to wounds or infected areas.

Garry Oak

 

Garry Oak, also known as Oregon White Oak, is a tree species that is an important plant for many indigenous cultures in the region, who have used it for a variety of purposes for thousands of years.

The bark of Garry Oak has been used by indigenous peoples as a traditional medicine for centuries. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to treat a variety of conditions including rheumatism, arthritis, and sore muscles.

The acorns of the Garry Oak tree are also an important food source for many indigenous cultures in the Pacific Northwest. They are rich in nutrients and can be ground into flour to make bread or used as a thickener for soups and stews.

The Garry Oak tree is an important indicator species that is used to determine native habitat in the San Juan Islands and other areas of the Pacific Northwest. This is because Garry Oak ecosystems are unique and support a wide variety of plant and animal species that are adapted to the specific conditions found in these habitats.

In the San Juan Islands, Garry Oak ecosystems are found primarily on rocky outcroppings and other areas with thin, nutrient-poor soils. These habitats are characterized by a mosaic of grasslands, savannas, and woodlands, with Garry Oak trees being the dominant tree species.

One of the ways in which the Garry Oak tree is used to determine native habitat in the San Juan Islands is through the identification of Garry Oak woodland communities. These communities are identified based on the presence of Garry Oak trees and associated plant species, such as Salal, Oregon Grape, and Sword Fern.

In addition to identifying Garry Oak woodland communities, the Garry Oak tree is also used as an indicator species for other types of native habitats in the San Juan Islands. For example, Garry Oak trees are often found in association with other plant species that are adapted to specific types of soil or moisture conditions, such as Madrone, Red Alder, and Douglas Fir.

By using the Garry Oak tree and other indicator species, scientists and land managers can identify and map native habitats in the San Juan Islands and other areas of the Pacific Northwest. This information can be used to guide conservation and restoration efforts, and to ensure that these unique ecosystems are protected for future generations.

Madrone

The Madrone tree, also known as the Madrona tree, is a unique and beautiful tree species that is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America. It is known for its striking appearance, with its smooth, reddish-brown bark and shiny, evergreen leaves.

The Madrone tree is found primarily in coastal areas of the Pacific Northwest, where it grows in rocky, well-drained soils. It is often found in association with Garry Oak trees and other plant species that are adapted to these specific conditions.

One of the unique features of the Madrone tree is its ability to regenerate from its root system. This means that even if the above-ground portion of the tree is damaged or killed, the tree can regrow from its roots and continue to thrive.

The Madrone tree has been an important plant for many indigenous cultures in the Pacific Northwest. The bark of the tree was used for a variety of purposes, including making baskets, mats, and cordage. The bark was also used as a traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including sore throats, coughs, and skin infections.

In addition to its cultural significance, the Madrone tree also plays an important ecological role in the Pacific Northwest. It provides habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species, including birds, insects, and mammals. The leaves and bark of the tree are also a source of nutrients for many soil organisms, which helps to support a healthy ecosystem.

Salal

Salal, also known as Gaultheria shallon, is a shrub that is also native to the Pacific Northwest. It is an important plant for many indigenous cultures in the region, who have used it for food, medicine, and cultural practices for thousands of years.

The leaves of the Salal plant have been used as a traditional medicine by indigenous peoples for centuries. They are believed to have astringent properties and have been used to treat a variety of conditions including diarrhea, sore throats, and wounds.

Salal berries are also an important food source for many indigenous cultures in the Pacific Northwest. They are rich in nutrients and have a sweet, slightly tart flavor. They can be eaten fresh, dried, or used to make jams, jellies, and sauces.

Devil’s Club

Devil’s Club, also known as Oplopanax horridus, is a shrub that has long, sharp thorns that can cause skin irritation and has been used by indigenous peoples for centuries as a traditional medicine.

The roots, bark, and leaves of the Devil’s Club plant have been used to treat a variety of conditions including arthritis, colds, and flu. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Devil’s Club was also used by indigenous peoples for spiritual and ceremonial purposes. The thorns of the plant were sometimes used in rituals to ward off evil spirits.

Red Cedar

Red Cedar, also known as Thuja plicata, is a tree species that indigenous cultures have used for a variety of purposes for thousands of years.

The bark and leaves of the Red Cedar tree were used as a traditional medicine for centuries. It is believed to have antifungal and antibacterial properties and has been used to treat a variety of conditions including colds, flu, and skin infections.

In addition to its medicinal uses, the Red Cedar tree is also an important cultural symbol for many indigenous cultures in the Pacific Northwest. It is believed to have spiritual and ceremonial significance, and its wood is used to make totem poles, canoes, and other traditional objects.

Nettle

Nettle, also known as Urtica dioica, has a long history of use as a traditional medicine by indigenous peoples in the region.

The leaves and roots of the Nettle plant have been used to treat a variety of conditions including arthritis, allergies, and urinary tract infections. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.

Nettle is also an important food source for many indigenous cultures in the Pacific Northwest. The leaves can be cooked and eaten like spinach, and the roots can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute.

Licorice Fern

Licorice Fern, also known as Polypodium glycyrrhiza, is a fern species that has been used as a traditional medicine by indigenous peoples for thousands of years.

The roots of the Licorice Fern plant have been used to treat a variety of conditions including coughs, sore throats, and digestive problems. It is believed to have expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Licorice Fern is also an important cultural symbol for many indigenous cultures in the Pacific Northwest. It is believed to have spiritual significance and is often used in traditional ceremonies and practices.

In addition to Licorice Fern, many other fern species were used by indigenous peoples for medicinal and cultural purposes. For example, Bracken Fern was used to treat wounds and headaches, while Sword Fern (above) was used to make baskets and other woven objects.

Camas

Camas, also known as Camassia quamash, the bulbs of which were an important food source for many indigenous cultures in the region. They are high in carbohydrates and were often roasted or boiled to make a sweet, starchy dish.

Wild Berries

There are many different types of wild berries that grow in the Pacific Northwest, including huckleberries, salmonberries, and thimbleberries. These berries were an important food source for indigenous peoples, who often harvested them in large quantities and dried them for later use. 

The plants, herbs, and trees used by indigenous cultures of the Pacific Northwest have been an integral part of their way of life for thousands of years. These plants have been used for food, medicine, and cultural practices, and have played a central role in the development of indigenous culture in the region.

While the traditional uses of these plants may not be as widely practiced today, they continue to be an important part of the cultural heritage of the Pacific Northwest. By learning about these plants and their traditional uses, we can gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the region, and can work to preserve and promote indigenous knowledge and practices.