Liliaceae Zigadenus elegans Pursh

Mountain Deathcamas

Thompson - Other, Ceremonial Items

Use documented by:
Steedman, E.V., 1928, The Ethnobotany of the Thompson Indians of British Columbia, SI-BAE Annual Report #45:441-522, page 508

View all documented uses for Zigadenus elegans Pursh

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Scientific name: Zigadenus elegans Pursh
USDA symbol: ZIELE (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Mountain Deathcamas
Family: Liliaceae
Family (APG): Nartheciaceae
Native American Tribe: Thompson
Use category: Other
Use sub-category: Ceremonial Items
Notes: Roots placed in the eye sockets and mouth of a dead grouse by the father of a girl reaching puberty. The father of a girl reaching puberty had to snare a grouse, cut off its head, remove its eyes and in their places put two small roots of this plant and another in the mouth. Otherwise, the father was not able to snare any more grouse.

RECRD: 41817 id: 44555

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