You're using an outdated browser. Please upgrade to a modern browser for the best experience.
Submitted Successfully!
Thank you for your contribution! You can also upload a video entry or images related to this topic. For video creation, please contact our Academic Video Service.
Version Summary Created by Modification Content Size Created at Operation
1 handwiki Sirius Huang -- 1192 2022-11-10 01:30:54 |
2 Update references Sirius Huang Meta information modification 1192 2022-11-10 10:46:12 |

Video Upload Options

We provide professional Academic Video Service to translate complex research into visually appealing presentations. Would you like to try it?
No, upload directly Yes
Cite
If you have any further questions, please contact Encyclopedia Editorial Office.
HandWiki. List of Plants Used in Cherokee Ethnobotany. Encyclopedia. Available online: https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/33937 (accessed on 22 December 2025).
HandWiki. List of Plants Used in Cherokee Ethnobotany. Encyclopedia. Available at: https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/33937. Accessed December 22, 2025.
HandWiki. "List of Plants Used in Cherokee Ethnobotany" Encyclopedia, https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/33937 (accessed December 22, 2025).
HandWiki. (2022, November 10). List of Plants Used in Cherokee Ethnobotany. In Encyclopedia. https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/33937
HandWiki. "List of Plants Used in Cherokee Ethnobotany." Encyclopedia. Web. 10 November, 2022.
List of Plants Used in Cherokee Ethnobotany
Edit
The content is sourced from: https://handwiki.org/wiki/Biology:List_of_plants_used_in_Cherokee_ethnobotany

This is a list of plants documented to have been traditionally used by the Cherokee, and how they are used.

plants cherokee

1. Adoxaceae (Moschatel Family)

  • Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides (commonly known as withe-rod, witherod viburnum, possumhaw, and wild raisin) – an infusion of the plant taken to prevent recurrent spasms, root bark used as a diaphoretic and a tonic, and compound infusion of it taken for fever, smallpox and ague. An infusion of the bark used as a wash for a sore tongue.[1]
  • Viburnum prunifolium (commonly known as black haw) – an infusion of the plant taken to prevent recurrent spasms, root bark used as a diaphoretic and a tonic, and compound infusion of it taken for fever, smallpox and ague. An infusion of the bark used as a wash for a sore tongue.[1]

2. Amaryllidaceae (Amaryllis Family)

  • Allium tricoccum (commonly known as ramp, ramps, spring onion, ramson, wild leek, wood leek, and wild garlic), eaten as food.[2][3][4] The Cherokee also eat the plant as a spring tonic, for colds and for croup. They also use the warm juice for earaches.[3]

3. Asteraceae (Aster, Daisy, Sunflower, or Composite Family)

  • Cichorium intybus (common names are chicory or common chicory – an infusion of the root is used as a tonic for nerves.[5] This plant is not native to the Americas and was introduced by colonists.
  • Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium ssp. obtusifolium (common names include old field balsam, rabbit tobacco and sweet everlasting), used in a compound for muscle cramps, local pains, and twitching,[6] and apply an infusion of it over scratches made over muscle cramp pain.[7] It is also used internally with Carolina vetch for rheumatism.[6] A decoction is taken for colds, and the plant is also made into cough syrup.[6] It is used in a sweat bath to treat various diseases, made into a warm liquid blown down throat for clogged throat (diphtheria), chewed for a sore mouth, smoked for asthma, and chewed for a sore throat.[6]
  • Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (common names New England aster or Michaelmas daisy), poultice of roots used for pain, infusion of the roots for diarrhea, and the ooze of the roots is sniffed for catarrh. An infusion of the plant for fever.[8]
  • Tanacetum vulgare (common name tansy) – an infusion of the plant is used for backache, the plant is used as a tonic, and worn it around the waist and in shoes to prevent miscarriages.[9] This plant is not native to the Americas and was introduced by colonists.

4. Berberidaceae

  • Jeffersonia diphylla (common names include twinleaf or rheumatism root), used in an infusion for treating dropsy, as well as gravel and urinary tract problems. Also used as a poultice for sores and inflammation.[10]

5. Campanulaceae (Bellflower Family)

  • Triodanis perfoliata (common name clasping Venus's looking glass), root used in liquid compound for dyspepsia from overeating, and infusion of roots taken and use it as a bath for dyspepsia.[11]

6. Ericaceae (Heath or Heather Family)

  • Epigaea repens (common names are mayflower or trailing arbutus) decoction of the plant used to induce vomiting to treat abdominal pain, and they give an infusion of the plant to children for diarrhea.[12] An infusion is also used for the kidneys and for "chest ailment".[13] They also take a compound infusion for indigestion.[13]
  • Kalmia latifolia (common names include mountain-laurel,[14] calico-bush,[14] or spoonwood,[14]), used as an analgesic by placing an infusion of leaves put on scratches made over location of the pain.[12] The bristly edges of ten to twelve leaves" are rubbed over the skin for rheumatism, leaves are also crushed to rub brier scratches. The plant is used an infusion as a wash "to get rid of pests", used in a compound as a liniment, leaf ooze is rubbed into scratched skin of ball players to prevent cramps, and a leaf salve is used for healing. The wood is also used for carving.[15]
  • Lyonia mariana (common names include Piedmont staggerbush and staggerbush) – an infusion of the plant used for toe itch, 'ground-itch' and ulcers.[16]

7. Fabaceae (Legume, Bean, or Pea Family)

  • Baptisia australis (common names include blue wild indigo, blue false indigo, indigo weed, rattleweed, rattlebush, and horsefly weed), the roots of which are used in an herbal tea as a purgative or to treat tooth aches and nausea,[17]
  • Senna hebecarpa (common names include American senna and wild senna) The Cherokee use infusion of the plant for various purposes, including taking it for cramps, heart trouble, giving it to children and adults as a purgative and for fever, and taking it for 'blacks' (hands and eye sockets turn black). They also give an infusion of the root specifically to children for fever. The Cherokee use a poultice the root for sores, and they use a compound infusion for fainting spells. It is also used use a compound for pneumonia.[18]
  • Vicia caroliniana (common name Carolina vetch, or Carolina wood vetch), used for back pains, local pains, to toughen muscles, for muscular cramps, twitching and is rubbed on stomach cramps. They also use a compound for rheumatism, for an affliction called "blacks", and it is taken for wind before a ball game.[19] An infusion is used for muscle pain, in that it is rubbed on scratches made over the location of the pain. An infusion is also taken as an emetic.[20] It is also used internally with Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium ssp. obtusifolium for rheumatism.[6]

8. Hydrangeaceae

  • Hydrangea cinerea (common names include ashy or gray hydrangea) An infusion of the bark scrapings is taken for vomiting bile, and an infusion of the roots is taken as a cathartic and emetic by women during menses.[21]

9. Iridaceae

  • Iris cristata (common names dwarf crested iris, crested iris) – a decoction of the pulverized root is used as salve for ulcers.[22][23] An infusion (tea) is taken for liver. A decoction of the root is also used to treat a "yellowish urine".[22] The root is also used as an ingredient in a cream applied to skin ulcers.[24]
  • Iris virginica (common name Virginia iris) – the root is pounded into a paste that is used as a salve for skin. An infusion made from the root is used to treat ailments of the liver, and a decoction of root is used to treat "yellowish urine".[25]

10. Lamiaceae (Mint or Deadnettle Family)

  • Blephilia ciliata (common names include downy pagoda plant, sunny woodmint and Ohio horsemint.[26]), used make a poultice to treat headaches.[27]

11. Lythraceae

  • Lythrum alatum var. lanceolatum (common names include winged loosestrife, winged lythrum, angled purple-loosestrife), infusion taken for kidneys.[28]

12. Onagraceae (Willowherb or Evening Primrose Family)

  • Oenothera fruticosa (Common names include narrowleaf evening primrose or narrow-leaved sundrops) The Cherokee parboil the leaves, rinse them and cook in hot grease as a potherb.[29]

13. Ranunculaceae (Buttercup or Crowfoot Family)

  • Hydrastis canadensis (common names include goldenseal, orangeroot[30] and yellow puccoon,[30] used as a cancer treatment.[31]
  • Ranunculus acris (common names include meadow buttercup,[32] tall buttercup and giant buttercup. used as a poultice for abscesses, as an oral infusion for "thrush", and the juice is used as a sedative.[33] They also cook the leaves and eat them as greens.[33] (Note: This plant was introduced from Eurasia, and is not native to North America.)

14. Rosaceae (Rose Family)

  • Agrimonia gryposepala (commonly known as tall hairy agrimony,[34] common agrimony,[35] hooked agrimony,[35] or tall hairy grooveburr[36]), used to treat fever.[37]

References

  1. Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey, 1975, Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History, Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co., page 62
  2. Witthoft, John 1977 Cherokee Indian Use of Potherbs. Journal of Cherokee Studies 2(2):250–255 (p. 251)
  3. Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey 1975 Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co. (p. 52)
  4. Perry, Myra Jean 1975 Food Use of "Wild" Plants by Cherokee Indians. The University of Tennessee, M.S. Thesis (p. 47)
  5. Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey 1975 Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co. (p. 29)
  6. Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey 1975 Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co. (p. 51, 52)
  7. Taylor, Linda Averill 1940 Plants Used As Curatives by Certain Southeastern Tribes. Cambridge, MA. Botanical Museum of Harvard University (p. 61)
  8. Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey 1975 Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co. (p. 24)
  9. Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey 1975 Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co. (p. 58)
  10. Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey 1975 Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co. (p. 59)
  11. Taylor, Linda Averill 1940 Plants Used As Curatives by Certain Southeastern Tribes. Cambridge, MA. Botanical Museum of Harvard University (p. 60)
  12. Taylor, Linda Averill 1940 Plants Used As Curatives by Certain Southeastern Tribes. Cambridge, MA. Botanical Museum of Harvard University (p. 48)
  13. Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey 1975 Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co. (p. 23)
  14. https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomydetail?21115
  15. Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey 1975 Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co. (p. 42)
  16. Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey, 1975, Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History, Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co., page 57
  17. Broyles, Patrick J. (2004), Blue Wild Indigo, http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_baau.pdf, retrieved 2007-06-19 
  18. Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey, 1975, Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History, Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co., page 54
  19. Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey 1975 Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co. (p. 60)
  20. Taylor, Linda Averill 1940 Plants Used As Curatives by Certain Southeastern Tribes. Cambridge, MA. Botanical Museum of Harvard University (p. 34)
  21. Taylor, Linda Averill 1940 Plants Used As Curatives by Certain Southeastern Tribes. Cambridge, MA. Botanical Museum of Harvard University (p. 25)
  22. Hamel, Paul B.; Chiltoskey, Mary U. (1975). Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. London: N.C. Herald Publishing Co.. p. 41. ISBN 0903505193. https://archive.org/details/flowerexpert00hess/page/41. 
  23. Umberto Quattrocchi CRC World Dictionary of Medicinal and Poisonous Plants: Common Names, Scientific names, Synonyms and Etymology, p. 2104, at Google Books https://books.google.com/books?id=-37OBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA2104
  24. Eland, Sue (2008). "Iris cristata" (PDF). plantlives.com. http://www.plantlives.com/docs/I/Iris_cristata.pdf. Retrieved 4 April 2015. 
  25. Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey 1975 Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co. (p. 41)
  26. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (19 February 2009). "Blephilia ciliata (Downy Pagoda Plant)". University of Texas at Austin. http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=BLCI. Retrieved 11 December 2011. 
  27. Hamel and Chiltoskey, Paul B., and Mary U. (1975). Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C.: Herald Publishing Co.. p. 45. http://herb.umd.umich.edu/herb/search.pl. Retrieved 2015-05-18. 
  28. Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey, 1975, Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History, Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co., page 43
  29. Perry, Myra Jean, 1975, Food Use of 'Wild' Plants by Cherokee Indians, The University of Tennessee, M.S. Thesis, page 49
  30. USDA, Agricultural Research Service, National Plant Germplasm System. 2022. Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN Taxonomy). National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland.URL: http://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomydetail?19478. Accessed 10 November 2022
  31. Prof. Benjamin Smith Barton Collections for an Essay Toward a Materia Medica of the United States (1798, first edition)
  32. "BSBI List 2007" (xls). Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. http://www.bsbi.org.uk/BSBIList2007.xls. Retrieved 2014-10-17. 
  33. Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey 1975 Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co. (p. 31)
  34. Plants Profile for Agrimonia gyrosepala Retrieved 2010-03-13. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=AGGR2&photoID=aggr2_002_ahp.tif
  35. USDA, Agricultural Research Service, National Plant Germplasm System. 2022. Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN Taxonomy). National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland.URL: http://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomydetail?431615. Accessed 10 November 2022.
  36. ITIS Standard Report Page: Agrimonia gryposepala Retrieved 2010-03-13. https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=25095
  37. Daniel E. Moerman (2009). Native American Medicinal Plants: An Ethnobotanical Dictionary. Timber Press. pp. 52–53. ISBN 0-88192-987-5. https://archive.org/details/nativeamericanme0000moer. 
More
©Text is available under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons-Attribution ShareAlike (CC BY-SA) license; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Upload a video for this entry
Information
Subjects: Plant Sciences
Contributor MDPI registered users' name will be linked to their SciProfiles pages. To register with us, please refer to https://encyclopedia.pub/register :
HandWiki
View Times: 1.3K
Entry Collection: HandWiki
Revisions: 2 times (View History)
Update Date: 10 Nov 2022
Table of Contents
    Notice
    You are not a member of the advisory board for this topic. If you want to update advisory board member profile, please contact office@encyclopedia.pub.
    OK
    Confirm
    Only members of the Encyclopedia advisory board for this topic are allowed to note entries. Would you like to become an advisory board member of the Encyclopedia?
    Yes
    No
    ${ textCharacter }/${ maxCharacter }
    Submit
    Cancel
    There is no comment~
    ${ textCharacter }/${ maxCharacter }
    Submit
    Cancel
    ${ selectedItem.replyTextCharacter }/${ selectedItem.replyMaxCharacter }
    Submit
    Cancel
    Confirm
    Are you sure to Delete?
    Yes No
    Academic Video Service
    Feedback