Illustrated Native Ethnobotany of Coastal Northern California
Introduction

Title Terms:

  • "Illustrated" refers to the presentation of botanical drawings of the species discussed.
  • "Native" is used in two senses: The plants discussed are endemic to the region; and the uses of the plants discussed are those of the indigenous peoples of the area. The uses discussed are generally those of pre-European contact.
  • "Ethnobotany" is a fancy term for a human group's use of plants. As such, it looks at one of the most fundamental relationships of Man to the natural environment.
  • "Coastal Northern California" as used here, refers to the geographic area once peopled by the indigenous groups dwelling along this coast, as well as that of those dwelling further inland, but within the natural range of the plant discussed.

    Purpose and Level of Scholarship:

  • This work is not intended to rise to the level of publishable and citable scientific literature. It is a personal odyssey exploring aspects of my own environment. There has been no attempt to be comprehensive.
  • The absence of mention of a plant's use by any group does not mean that group did not employ that plant or use.


    • Sources:

  • Botanical drawings from live specimens by Jeffrey Knope. Tribal Map by Jeffrey Knope (mostly after Kroeber).
  • A primary source of specific plant use information is interviews with tribal Elders conducted by Jeffrey and Teri Knope in 1973-4, under auspicies of NICE (Northern Indian California Education) Project.
  • Species descriptions, range and habitat are primarily from Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center "Native Plant Guide." www.eNature.com
  • Ethnobotanic data generously augmented by University of Michigan - Dearborn, "Native American Ethnobotany" at www.herb.umd.umich.edu
  • A principal source of general information is Handbook of the Indians of California, A. L. Kroeber, California Book Company, Ltd., 1953.

    Repeat After Me:

    I have no personal knowledge of either the efficacy or the safety of using these plants in the ways described. Many plants are toxic. Some are deadly.

    - - - - - - - - - - - - - ! BE CAUTIOUS !

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