Poaceae Zea mays L.

Corn

Omaha - Other, Protection

Use documented by:
Gilmore, Melvin R., 1919, Uses of Plants by the Indians of the Missouri River Region, SI-BAE Annual Report #33, page 68

View all documented uses for Zea mays L.

---

Scientific name: Zea mays L.
USDA symbol: ZEMAM2 (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Corn
Family: Poaceae
Family (APG): Poaceae
Native American Tribe: Omaha
Use category: Other
Use sub-category: Protection
Notes: Chewed seeds scattered around the corn fields to protect the harvest from blackbirds. When the corn was approaching maturity, blackbirds attacked the fields for food. To prevent further damage, men chewed some grains and scattered them around the corn fields to deter the birds from the fields.

RECRD: 31111 id: 44491

---