California Native Plants and How Indigenous People Utilized Them

By Staff

Sage (Salvia)

The main kinds of sage that inhabit California are desert sage, white sage, and muck sage. Sage is a hardy plant and a fairly drought tolerant herb. Traditionally, white sage has been used by Indigenous people as a ceremonial plant. It is used to prevent bad luck, to remedy colds, and as a spice. A sacred Indigenous practice called “smudging” was performed by burning dried sage bundles. The smoke that comes from the burning sage is used to purify and cleanse the area of bad luck and energies. Smudging can also be done using dried tobacco, cedar, and sweetgrass. It’s important to note that smudging is a closed practice, meaning that those who are not Indigenous should not practice it out of respect for their culture. 

Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium)

Although this plant has a pretty flower, it is quite aggressive and invasive. The two main kinds of yarrow are western and common yarrow. Common yarrow is more prevalent in California and is taller and more aggressive than western yarrow. Indigenous people crushed the plant up and applied it to wounds and burns. In addition, tea made from yarrow leaves was used to treat colds, fevers, and headaches. The Navajo tribe considered yarrow to be a “life medicine” and commonly chewed it to relieve toothaches. 

Honey Mesquite (Prosopis Glandulosa)

Mesquite trees are extremely drought resistant, with long roots that are able to draw water from deep underground. These trees produce a sand-colored pod with beans inside. These mesquite beans are crushed into a coarse meal before being used to make small, sun-dried cakes. These beans are highly nutritious and are said to have a sweet, nutty flavor that resembles the taste of chocolate or caramel. Mesquite wood was also used as fuel for fires and to build many of their homes. The bark from these trees were pounded flat and woven into skirts and baby diapers. 

Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia)

These desert plants were a staple for Indigenous people. Cactus spines were used as sewing needles, the fruit was eaten stewed, raw, and in jellies. The red pigment that the fruit produces is used as paint or to color yellow corn mush. The spiny leaves were stripped of its spines and the juicy inner meat was eaten raw and boiled.