Journal

Hello everyone, Today I took a lagoon walk in search of some of Barrow’s flowering plants. The tundra is springing to life with greens, golds, and reds. These plants are part of the rich ecosystem that has helped sustain life on the tundra. The local people have relied on the rich variety of tundra plants for both food and medicine. They are an important part of the historical ecology for the region and, like all the species in the Arctic, face new challenges due to climate change. Think about the plants in your own neighborhood – do you know which are edible or have medicinal properties? If so, tell me about them in a comment below!

Comments

Sat, 07/19/2014 - 13:02

Sian Proctor

Thanks Peggy! When I was on the tv show The Colony I was shocked by all the edible plants within an urban environment. I'd never thought about it before and it made me think about my students and how much they know about the environment they live in.

Sat, 07/19/2014 - 16:17

Regina Brinker

Pickleweed plants (Sarcocornia pacifica) grow in the alkaline soils of Springtown Wetlands Preserve near my school, and in salt marshes around the San Francisco Bay.Live oak trees, native to California, have acorns that can be eaten after processing to remove tannins. I often wonder how people figured out how to work with foods that can make a person sick. Maybe you get some insights into this history.

Sat, 07/19/2014 - 23:00

linda nolle

I live in Missouri. My grandmother (who would be 120 this year!) always told me that feverfew was a remedy (made into a tea) for migraines.The medicinal qualities of feverfew were confirmed by Edgar Denison, the naturalist scholar of ALL native Missouri wildflowers. I have feverfew progeny from both my grandmother and from Edgar Denison.

Also, a common MO "weed" is "Deadly Nightshade,"
Belladonna, used to treat air and sea sickness and dizziness. Risky for vision changes, however.
Thank you for your interesting communication.

Sat, 07/19/2014 - 23:00

linda nolle

I live in Missouri. My grandmother (who would be 120 this year!) always told me that feverfew was a remedy (made into a tea) for migraines.The medicinal qualities of feverfew were confirmed by Edgar Denison, the naturalist scholar of ALL native Missouri wildflowers. I have feverfew progeny from both my grandmother and from Edgar Denison.

Also, a common MO "weed" is "Deadly Nightshade,"
Belladonna, used to treat air and sea sickness and dizziness. Risky for vision changes, however.
Thank you for your interesting communication.

Sun, 07/20/2014 - 11:46

Andre Wille

Love the Wooly Louseworts. We saw them as the flower just started to bloom and they were completely covered with "wool" Seems this is a good adaptation for Tundra flowers. Do they have any medicinial value?

Sun, 07/20/2014 - 15:51

Lucy Coleman

Sian-
I have black oaks on my property- arguably the most valuable of the oaks to the the native people of the region. I tried to make flour from the acorns once but it was too bitter, even after days of leaching. Whats the secret??

Mon, 07/21/2014 - 09:29

Sarah Crowley

Hi Sian, What a great question to ask! You can use this for many months after the expedition, in your classes! In my backyard we have some plants that are similar to the ones in your video. We have blueberries and lowbush cranberry in the fall. Right now we can eat the fireweed flowers. In the spring we have labrador tea. And there is many more!

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 09:22

Sian Proctor

I agree Regina. How do we learn what food works for what. My Barrow plant person is on vacation and I won't see her again. But this is something I'd like to learn more about.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 09:26

Sian Proctor

Thanks Lina for the great comments. There is a lot of information that's getting lost from our grandparents and great grandparents. They are such a wealth of information.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 09:31

Sian Proctor

Hi Andre! I know it can be eaten but not fully sure of the medicinal values. It's a really pretty flower. I like the cotton-grass.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 09:32

Sian Proctor

Hi Lucy, I laughed at your question. If I knew I'd certainly share it with you. LOL

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 09:34

Sian Proctor

Hi Sarah,
I am amazed at what grows in the backyard. Growing up in the city/suburbs, it never even entered my mind. Our food came from the grocery store. So sad. I'm really glad I can bring all of this back to my very urban students.