Cupressaceae Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don

Western Redcedar

Hesquiat - Fiber, Scouring Material

Use documented by:
Turner, Nancy J. and Barbara S. Efrat, 1982, Ethnobotany of the Hesquiat Indians of Vancouver Island, Victoria. British Columbia Provincial Museum, page 35

View all documented uses for Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don

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Scientific name: Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don
USDA symbol: THPL (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Western Redcedar
Family: Cupressaceae
Family (APG): Cupressaceae
Native American Tribe: Hesquiat
Use category: Fiber
Use sub-category: Scouring Material
Notes: Finely beaten bark used as a sponge. Young boys, when they were starting to walk, were rubbed with this bark dipped in cold octopus broth to make them tough. Girls were told to rub the same liquid on their hands to make them strong.

RECRD: 527 id: 40016

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