Description

Leadum groenlandicum – me’uhw’uhlp (Hul’q’umi’num)

Low growing shrub with long, dull, and narrow leaves and small, bright white flowers

Height: 0.50-1.50 m.

Edible: Y

Medicine:  Y

Other Uses: Y

Poisonous: Y

Soil: Lime-free loam or peaty, moist, acid, humus-rich soil

Watering: Medium

Sun: Sun, part-shade, and shade

Usually found at: Roadside ditches, bogs, and conifer forests

Pollinators & wildlife: Bumblebees

Ornamental: Has pretty white clusters of flowers

 

Leaves: Dull green. Long and narrow. Smooth on top with wrinkled edges that curl under. Underside is covered in fuzzy red hairs.

Flowers: Small, bright white flowers in clusters which spread out from a common base (umbel). Stamens come out from each flower

Berries: None

First Nations uses: Used to treat sore throats and colds. Can help increase appetite. Made into teas. A strong decoction of the leaves, or a tincture, is used to kill lice, mosquitoes, fleas and other insects. The leaves contain tannin. A brown dye is obtained from the plant.

 

Note: Native plant sales are pick-up only at Suwa’lkh School (1432 Brunette Ave in Coquitlam). Email suwa’lkh@freshroots.ca for more information.