Family: Lamiaceae or Mint Ecology/ Botany: This widely distributed perennial grows in moist climatic regions in Coastal Western Hemlock and Interior Cedar Hemlock forest zones. Medicinal/ Other Uses: It is known as a wound healer and has anti-viral properties. References/ Other useful links: E-FLORA BC: ELECTRONIC ATLAS OF THE FLORA OF BRITISH COLUMBIA researchgate publication […]
Family: Cornaceae/ Dogwood Ecology/ Botany: This shade-loving, creeping perennial is usually beneath the canopy of mature coniferous forests amongst the decaying wood. It will blanket the ground when well established. The little bunches of sweet, pulpy berries are edible. It is not a true flower and has an explosive pollination mechanism. It is widespread and […]
Family: Crassulaceae/ Sedum Ecology/ Botany: This perennial succulent spreads low to the ground. It grows in rocky, thin soil on dry, open slopes or rock outcrops and ridges. It grows in dry, moist, and wet regions but prefers moister regions in Engelmann Spruce- Subalpine Fir forest zones. Medicinal/ Other Uses: Syilx (Okanagan) people have used […]
Family: Saxifrage or Saxifragaceae Ecology/ Botany: This tiny, early spring flower does not bloom for long. It tends to grow in dry climatic regions in forest zones of Sagebrush, Ponderosa Pine, or Interior Douglas Fir but also appears in the moist regions in dry openings of a variety of forest types and grasslands. It is […]
Family: Rose or Rosaceae Ecology/ Botany: This widespread shrub has fragrant spring blooms that turn into summer berries for many birds, wildlife, and people. There are many varieties, and although they appear in moist climatic regions in Interior Cedar Hemlock forest zones, they more commonly grow in dry regions in Interior Douglas Fir and Ponderosa […]
Family: Berberidaceae/ Barberry Ecology/ Botany: This common evergreen shrub grows in dry climatic regions or dry forest openings of moist climatic regions, usually in Interior Cedar Hemlock forest zones. It has deep green, shiny, leathery, toothed leaves that sometimes turn brilliant red. The clusters of yellow, citrusy scented blossoms in spring turn to powdery, purple, […]
Family: Honeysuckle or Caprifoliaceae Ecology/ Botany: This semi-woody perennial loves moisture and shade. It provides creeping ground cover in dry climatic regions in Montane Spruce and Interior Douglas Fir forest zones, and moist regions in Interior Cedar Hemlock zones. Medicinal/ Other Uses: Indigenous North Americans have used the whole plant as a tonic for pregnancy […]
Family: Honeysuckle or Caprifoliaceae Ecology/ Botany: This perennial vine grows in a wide range of habitats including some forests in moist climatic regions. That said, it most commonly grows in dry climatic regions in forest zones of Interior Douglas Fir. It can grow up to 6 meters high. Its nectar attracts hummingbirds and bees. The […]
Family: Legume Ecology/ Botany: This hardy, adaptable perennial is in the pea family and grows in a wide range of environments, including harsh, dry, low nutrient, rocky soil. It inhabits the dry climatic regions. With symbiotic bacteria, it fixes nitrogen in the soil for growth and can be invasive. Its whirls of leaves are covered […]
