DISPLAY GARDEN OF PLANTS USED BY THE IROQUOIS (HAUDENOSAUNEE)
Use of medicinal plants was integral to Haudenosaunee life. Plants were used for nourishment, to treat ailments, and for ceremonial purposes. Typically, the plants were gathered from the wild, rather than being cultivated in a garden. At the Museum we have planted a medicinal garden so you can see some of the plants used by the Haudenosaunee. Europeans and Native Americans looked to each other to explore and adapt new sources of medicinal plants. Europeans brought with them the traditional medicinal plants from their own cultures. Native Americans were quick to adapt those plants they found useful. This garden is a mix of both native and non-native plants, but all were used by the Haudenosaunee. Many plants useful for medicinal cures grow in dappled, moist environments. Because this plot sits in full sun, the plants here do not include those shade lovers. Bark, leaves, and berries from trees were also utilized, but are not represented in this garden.
Native plant - Blooming in late summer and fall, this aster and other aster varieties are used for fever, skin irritation, venereal disease, and problems with the blood.
Native plant - Bee Balm, a mid-summer blooming plants, Bee balm is used to treat fever, headache, constipation, and general lassitude. It is consumed as a tea or used to bath the head and face.
Native plant - A long bloomer lasting from late spring to fall, the plant is used to increase strength in both lifting and running and is also used to treat bronchial and pulmonary conditions.
Native plant - the spring flowering beauty is used as an infusion and wash to treat poison ivy.
Non-native plant - introduced by the Europeans, it was quickly adopted by the Haudenosaunee. It has a large range of applications, including treatment of sores and abscesses, blood purifying, an aid to digestion, treatment for intestinal inflammation and respiratory uses.
Non-native plant - Brought by the European settlers, it is useful for sores and cuts that will not heal, gas, chest pains, and cough.
Native plant - Topped in the summer with pretty blue flowers, this native plant is used for colds, cough, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, and to strengthen the womb.
Non-native plant - A non-native plant that spreads quickly, it is used for soaks for rheumatism and as heart medicine.
Native plant - Tobacco is used in ceremony and medicinally in the treatment of insect bites, consumption, and as a wash to counteract poison. It is also offered as a gift to plants being harvested.
Native plant - This large native wildflower has small white flowers and is used for stomach cramps.
Native plant - Flowering in spring, this pretty native plant is used for sores, skin itch, venereal disease, diarrhea, sore throats, and heart trouble.
Native plant - Eaten as a food source and sometimes dried, the strawberry is also used to treat stroke, sores, styes, for regulating menses in women, and for colic in babies.
Native plant - A summer-blooming, ferny-leafed plant, yarrow is used for babies with fever, convulsions, worms and other sicknesses, as well as for adults with diarrhea and neuralgia.