Native Plants for Healing

Reginald Durant, Director of Restoration

What does native mean? “Natives” were here prior to European contact.

Orange County’s native plants evolved here

over a very long period.

They are adapted to our climate and

geography.

What does non-native mean?

• When non-native plants spread, they

become established in wild areas and out-

compete natives.

• These weeds deprive wild animals of food

and shelter, since native animals cannot

make much use of them.

• Non-native plants contribute to species

endangerment. 42% of the nation's

endangered and threatened species have

declined as a result of encroaching exotic

plants. - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Why

it

Matters!

Invasive plants cost California

at least $82 million each year. – California Invasive Plant Council, 2008

Cornell University estimated that

invasive species cause $120 billion in

damage in the United States each

year. (Pimentel et al., Ecological Economics, 2005)

The West Coast Lady on native Milkweed.

Why Natives? Natives Heal

the Earth • Native plants require

less water, since they are adapted to California’s dry climate.

• Native plants do not need fertilizers.

• Natives do not require pesticides, since they have evolved natural defenses against pests.

Why Natives? Biodiversity

• Over 5,000 native plant species can be found in California – more than in the central and northeastern US and Canada combined.

• More than 1500 of these plant species are endemic to (found only in) California.

• Southern California is one of the 34 global biodiversity “hotspots.”

• Orange County is “a hotspot within a hotspot”, with more native plant species per square mile than Yosemite National Park.

• Orange County has over 806 species of native plants.

Why Natives? Habitat for Animals

• Native plants and animals have evolved side by side for thousands of years.

• Native plants do the best job of providing food and shelter for native wildlife.

• Native animals are not adapted to non-native plants, and when their habitat is replaced with exotic species, most native animals will not remain in the area.

• Native plants attract native birds, butterflies and other beneficial insects, and provide natural beauty throughout the year!

Why Natives?

The Pacific Yew (Taxus brevifolia) yields Taxol, an anti-cancer drug.

Benefits to Humans

Many native plants have medicinal value.

Yarrow, Achillea millefolium – Dried flowers and leaves used in cold remedies. (G. Tilford) – Fresh leaves rubbed onto skin as an insect repellant. (G. Tilford) – Leaves seeped in water to treat cuts and bruises and to stop bleeding

(Paul Campbell)

Alder, Alnus rhombifolia

• Modern scientific studies confirmed that alder stem bark contains compounds that may suppress tumor activity. (G. Tilford)

• Bark used by Blackfeet to treat tuberculosis and lymphatic disorders. (G. Tilford)

• Leaf tea used as a skin wash, soothing remedy for poison oak, insect bites, etc. (G. Tilford)

• Tea made from the bark used to aid circulation, stop diarrhea, stomachaches, hemorrhages and ease child birth. (Paul Campbell)

Erigeron philadelphicus Ph

ilade

lphi

a Fl

eaba

ne

• Used in the treatment of chronic diarrhea, gout, epilepsy and menstrual problems. (D. Moerman)

• A poultice of the plant is used to treat headaches and is also applied to sores. (D. Moerman)

Heuchera maxima Coral Bells

• Dried and ground into a powder, it stops minor bleeding

and reduces inflammation. (G. Tilford)

• Taken internally in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery

and gastric ulcers (Northwest Native Americans used as

a general digestive tonic). (G. Tilford)

Heuchera maxima, Jill of the Rocks

White Sage, Salvia apiana

• the tops of the flower stalks were chewed for sore throats. (Paul Campbell)

• An infusion of the leaves is used as a treatment for coughs and colds. (D. Moerman)

• The seeds have been used as eye cleaners. (D. Moerman)

• Leaves were dried and used as incense.

Salvia leucophylla Purple Sage

• All salvias are recognized for anti-microbial qualities. Used as a disinfectant mouthwash, antiseptic skin rinse, etc.

(Paul Campbell)

Trichostema lanatum Woolley Blue Curls

Buckwheat, Eriogonum fasciculatum

• Buckwheat tea soothes sore throats. (D. Moerman)

Coffeeberry, Rhamnus californica • Rhamnus spp. used as a laxative (dry bark).

(G. Tilford, E. K. Balls)

Coyote Brush, Baccharis pilularis • The plant was used medicinally as a general remedy.

(D. Moerman)

Monkeyflower, Mimulus spp. The plant was used as an anti-

diarrheal. (Paul Campbell)

A decoction of the leaves and stems has been used as a herbal steam bath for chest and back soreness. (D. Moerman)

A poultice of the crushed leaves has been applied to wounds. (D. Moerman)

Mimulus guttatus

Hog Fennel, Lomatium utriculatum The root was eaten as treatment for rattlesnake bites. (Paul Campbell) The root was eaten for headaches and stomach problems. (D. Moerman) The seeds were eaten as a treatment for colds and sore throats. (Paul Campbell)

Yerba Mansa, Anemopsis californica • The plant is infused and used to bathe aching muscles and sore feet. (Munz)

• A tea made from the root is used as a general pain remedy, and as a treatment for gonorrhoea, syphilis, urinary tract disorders and menstrual cramps. (D. Moerman)

• An infusion of the plant is used in the treatment of colds, chest congestion, asthma, stomach ulcers, and as a bath for arthritic joints. (D. Moerman)

• The dried and powdered plant is used as a disinfectant on wounds while the fresh moist leaves are used as a poultice or salve on burns, cuts and wounds. (D. Moerman)

• An infusion of the bark is used as a wash for open sores. (D. Moerman)

Poison Oak, Toxicodendron diversilobum • A leaf was swallowed in the spring as a contraceptive. (P. Campbell) • A tincture of the fresh leaves has been used in the treatment of skin diseases

and warts. (P. Campbell) • A poultice of the fresh leaves has been applied to rattlesnake bites. • The leaf buds were eaten in the spring in order to obtain immunity from the

plant poisons. (P. Campbell) • An excellent black dye is obtained by exposing the sap to air. (P. Campbell)

Gardening with Natives for mental health

Chalk Dudleya

Dudleya pulverulenta

Aristida purpurea Purple Three Awn

Purple Three

Awned Grass

Aristida purpurea

Carex praegracilis

Field Sedge

Juncus patens

Rush

Nolina parryi Beargrass

Penstemon spectabilis

Showy Penstamon

Sycamore Platanus racemosa

Sisyrinchium bellum, blue eyed grass

Sisyrinchium bellum Blue Eyed Grass

Yucca whipplei Yucca

• Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West by Gregory L. Tilford

• Native American Ethnobotany by Daniel E. Moerman

• Early Uses of Californian Plants by E. K. Balls

• Edible and Useful Plants of California by Charlotte Bringle Clarke

• Survival Skills of Native California by Paul Campbell

Native Plant Websites

• www.CNPS.org California Native Plant Society

• www.CalFlora.org Native Plant descriptions, ranges and photos

• www.BacktoNatives.org Back to Natives Restoration