Apiaceae Sanicula bipinnata Hook. & Arn.

Poison Sanicle

Karok - Other, Water Indicator

Use documented by:
Schenck, Sara M. and E. W. Gifford, 1952, Karok Ethnobotany, Anthropological Records 13(6):377-392, page 386

View all documented uses for Sanicula bipinnata Hook. & Arn.

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Scientific name: Sanicula bipinnata Hook. & Arn.
USDA symbol: SABI2 (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Poison Sanicle
Family: Apiaceae
Family (APG): Apiaceae
Native American Tribe: Karok
Use category: Other
Use sub-category: Water Indicator
Notes: Plant grew near good luck water. This plant grew naturally in swamps. It was believed that even if you found it in a dry place, if you searched you would find water near by. The water bubbled up in a little hole and disappeared again soon. This was good luck water. When a woman was making baskets, she went to it, if she knew where it was and washed her hands. Then she would have good luck in making her baskets and perhaps would sell them at a high price. When people were gambling, they would go and wash their hands in a 'lucky water.' If you found a lucky water, you would not tell anyone, but would keep it secret, so that no unclean person would go near it.

RECRD: 8571 id: 37064

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