Research
Arbutus menziesii
Common Name: Pacific Madrone
MacDonald Forest
March 2007
Bark can be used for colds and stomach problems. Arbutus is latin for strawberry. The name was used to describe the tree's fruits.
Thuja plicata
Common Name: Western Red Cedar
Oregon State University campus
March 2007
Used for canoe making, houses, totem poles, boxes, baskets, clothing and hats, tools, harpoons, masks, rattles, benches, drum logs, whistles, paddles and dishes. The coastal salish tribe tells that the red cedar was created by Great Spirit in remembrance of a man who cared for others.
Gaultheria shallon
Common Name: Salal
MacDonald Forest
March 2007
Very common in the Northwest. Young leaves were chewed as an appetite suppressant by native tribes. Berries can be used as a sweetener.
Trillium ovatum
Common Name: Western Trillium
Family: Liliaceae
MacDonald Forest
March 2007
Vaccinium parvifolium
Common Name: Red Huckleberry
Jackson-Frazier Wetland
March 2007
Key Characteristics
erect to 4 m tall; alternate, untoothed leaves; bright red round berries; greenish-yellow to pink flowers shaped like bells
Berries can be used as fish bait; dried and made into cakes
Salix spp.
Common Name: Willow
Jackson-Frazier Wetland
March 2007
Key Characteristics:
Egg shaped leaves
Some tribes weaved the inner bark strands into ropes for nets, purses and baskets. Also used for slings and fishing line.
Pseudotsuga mensiezii
Common Name: Douglas Fir
Willamette Park
Corvallis, Oregon
March 2007
Key Characteristics:
Pitch used to make a medicinal salve for wounds and irritations.
Lobaria pulmonaria
Common Name: Lungwort
OSU MacDonald Forest, Corvallis, Oregon
Feb. 18 2007