Asteraceae Helianthus annuus L.

Common Sunflower

Navajo - Other, Hunting & Fishing Item

Use documented by:
Elmore, Francis H., 1944, Ethnobotany of the Navajo, Sante Fe, NM. School of American Research, page 87

View all documented uses for Helianthus annuus L.

---

Scientific name: Helianthus annuus L.
USDA symbol: HEAN3 (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Common Sunflower
Family: Asteraceae
Family (APG): Asteraceae
Native American Tribe: Navajo
Use category: Other
Use sub-category: Hunting & Fishing Item
Notes: Stalks used to make bird snares. Bird snares were made of stalks in which were drilled two small holes. In one of these holes was inserted a twig of greasewood and at the end of this was fastened a sliding loop of horsehair. The greasewood twig was then bent in a bow and the loop passed through the upper hole, across which was laid a small piece of reed. The small stick below the loop was placed so that one end rests on the rim of the stalk and the other end on the reed. When a bird alighted on this, the small piece of reed was disturbed and the greasewood twig straightened, drawing the horsehair loop with the bird's foot in it into the stalk.

RECRD: 3062 id: 16602

---