plant identification & maintenance guide - toronto and region

Plant IdentIfIcatIon & MaIntenance GuIde

Gitigaan Mashkiki(Ojibwe)

Table of ConTenTsIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Medicinal Plant Overview .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Traditional Aboriginal Ceremonies for Planting and Harvesting .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Quadrants of the Garden .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

East Quadrant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

South Quadrant.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

West Quadrant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

North Quadrant.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Tracking, Record Keeping and Maintenance .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Tasks for Each Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Maintaining the Medicine Wheel Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Controlling Weeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Moisture Regime .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Attracting Wildlife and Pollinator Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Plant Images, Identification Features and Related Information .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-34

Flower Shapes for Identification .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Quick Reference TablesTable #1 – Traditional Ceremony Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Table #2 – General Seasonal Maintenance - Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Table #3 – List of Plants by Common and Scientific Name .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

1

InTroduCTIonThe vision for the Medicine Wheel Garden (Gitigaan Mashkiki) at Heart Lake Conservation Area (HLCA) came from a male elder of the Anishnawbe Nation. Together with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), the Peel Aboriginal Network (PAN), Heart Lake Community Action Area Group and the City of Brampton, May 20, 2010, marked the official opening of the Medicine Wheel Garden at HLCA.

The concept for a Medicine Wheel Garden originated with the Sacred Medicine Wheel representing an assortment of symbolisms and teachings. It is the creation of a sacred space for healing, celebration and peace. It honours Mother Earth’s seasonal cycles, represents rituals and expresses artistic traditions in that all beings are related and the strength of the circle nour-ishes life. As the garden changes, the circle of life also continues. The circular shape is divided into four sections. The sections each honour the Aboriginal culture and the teachings of the four cardinal directions; East, South, West, North; four sacred medicines (sage, sweetgrass, cedar and tobacco), sacred colours (yellow, red, black and white), four sacred animals (Eagle, Turtle, Buffalo and Bear) and the four seasons and cycles of life. It is also a symbol of the Seven Grand-father teachings of honesty, respect, humility, love, wisdom, truth and courage.

Mother Earth, Father Sky, Grandmother Moon and the Star People are also represented in the garden. The four directions have teachings and sub teaching designed to guide and ease our life’s struggles. They help heal and direct us on how to tread lightly on Mother Earth and show respect for all that is living.

By creating a wheel, you are symbolically creating a universe (microcosm) within the universe (macrocosm) and creating a sacred place of healing. “Just bring in the presence of a wheel, people will heal” (unknown author).

•alistoftheplantslocatedinthefoursectionsor quadrantsofgarden

•keyidentificationfeatures oftheplants

•traditionaluseandalternate namesoftheplants

•guidelinesformaintenance andcareofthegarden

•wildlifehabitatvalue

2

Medicinal plants, both in the wild and cultivated by humans, have been used for the treatment of illness throughout the world for thousands of years. It is estimated there are over 400,000 types of vascular plants and approximately 130,000 of these are being used for medicinal purposes by Indigenous Peoples1.

Canada does not manufacture medicinal plants to the same extent as Europe and Asia, however the country does produce ginseng, Echinacea, ginko biloba, licorice and St. John’s Wort as medicinal crops.

Aboriginal Peoples have great appreciation for all things. An important aspect of Anishnawbe tradition for medicine plant maintenance is the respect and honour given to each plant. Harvesting any plants in this garden, should only be done under the direction and guidance of an elder or traditional medicine person to ensure correct steps are taken. Through this process the spirit of the plant must be spoken for and intention made for its use. The individual must identify themself to the plant and an offering must be given for the use of each plant.

There are many ceremonies associated with Aboriginal tradition that focus on the context of “Mother Earth” to give thanks and acknowledge the cycle of life. They also acknowledge:

• our need for sustenance

• how the plant is fulfilling its duty to provide us with sustenance

• show of gratitude for continued existence

• the need to protect plants

• provide care for plant growth

MedICInal PlanT overvIew

TradITIonal aborIgInal CereMonIes for PlanTIng and HarvesTIng

3

Ceremonies are performed each month throughout the year (Table#1). Although an exact calendar date is not determined the ceremony is held as close to the new moon phase as possible. This ceremonial chart is based on the teachings of the Haudenosaunee Peoples of the Six Nations including Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca and Tuscarora. Ojibwe Peoples conduct ceremonies at each season to honour and acknowledge changes to Mother Earth.

Spring honours the strawberry or “heart berry” as the first to arrive and has special medicinal value to the heart. Maple syrup aka “sweetwater” is also honoured as it cleanses the body of toxins built up over the winter. Summer ceremonies honour the four sacred medicines and Fall pays tribute to the harvest as a result of the spring and summer planting.

cereMony SeaSon Month & duratIon

Wátha - Maple Syrup - after the first thunders in Spring, sign of awakening after winter– sap will start to run

April - 1 day(Latisakayutése - April)

Wátha - Maple Syrup - when the frost leaves the ground April - 1 night (Latisakayutése - April)

Ka:n^he - Seeds/planting - when the frost is out of the ground and the ground is ready to plant

May - 1 day (Latiyʌthos – May)

Aw^hihte - Strawberry - when the children find the first wild strawberries June - 1 day (Awʌhihte - June)

Ohyótsheli - Beans - when the string beans are ready July - 1 day (Ohyótsheli – July)

Onʌstase - Green Corn - when the Indian corn kernels start to grow August - 1 day (Onʌstase – August)

Lutékhwayʌhe - Harvest - when the foods are ready to be harvested October - 3 days ( Lutékhwayʌhe – October)

Ohki:wé - Dead Feast: opens feast season - after the first frost October - 1 night ( Lutékhwayʌhe – October)

Tshátekohsélha - Midwinter - 5 days after the first new moon after the shortest day (December21) of the year

December - 4 days + 1 medicine day(Wahsutés – December/ Teyakohúhtyaks - January)

Table #1 – Traditional Ceremony Schedule Highlights*

*Ceremoniesarenotlimitedtothoselistedintheabovetable

4

Each quadrant or section of this Medicine Wheel Garden (Gitigaan Mashkiki) at HLCA represents the following:

• the four cardinal directions – East, South, West, North

• a specific sacred medicine plant at its “doorway” – Tobacco, Cedar, Sage, Sweetgrass

• four sacred colours – Yellow, Red, Black, White

• a wooden bench hand-carved with the corresponding sacred animal - Eagle, Turtle, Buffalo, Bear

Traditional knowledge states that the four colours come together at the centre of the garden, and is represented by the colour purple. The center of the garden signifies the Creator. It also represents prayer and reflection nurtured throughout our everyday lives.

• New beginning, new day, beginning of the seasons and human life, childhood

• This direction represents all the Asian cultures of the earth

• Eagle flies close to the creator and is the messenger between the creator and people

• Sunrise ceremony shows respect for new day and all creation

• Tobacco offered as the sacred medicine of the east

• Eagle’s lessons: honesty, sharing, being kind, open-minded, innocence, joy, hope guidance and leadership

Animal: EAGLE

Colour: YELLOW

Plant: TOBACCO

QuadranTs of THe garden & dIreCTIonal rePresenTaTIon

eaSt doorWay

5

South doorWay

Animal: TURTLE

Colour: RED

Plant: CEDAR

• Middle of the day, summer and the time of adolescence in life

• This direction represents all the Native Peoples of the earth

• Turtle is one of the oldest animals on earth, represents truth and is deliberate in its approach to life

• Reminder to look after our spirits for guidance, when in balance with yourself the spirit will guide; don’t go in that direction, go in this direction (your gut feeling)

• Cedar is sacred, has vast medicinal qualities such as, high in vitamin C, associated with healing pain and tissue

• Grandmother Cedar accepted the request by the Creator to walk with the people and provide healing when they are off-balance or hurting

6

Animal: BUFFALO

Colour: BLACK

Plant: SAGE

• Sunset, autumn, a time of harvest and adulthood

• This direction represents all the black cultures of the earth

• Buffalo is sacred because of its contribution to human survival through provision of food, shelter, clothing and tools

• People have experienced death, loss, realize impermanence and everything is governed by time

• West is the doorway to the spirit world and guarded by the Buffalo

• Sage is the medicine of the woman, used as tea, in cleansing ceremonies, to cleanse our spirit and enhances hearing, sight, smell and taste

•BuffaloLessons:honour,sharing,generositytoothers

WeSt doorWay

7

Animal: BEAR

Colour: WHITE

Plant: SWEET GRASS

• Represents night and winter season, time of life and healing, people become elders

• This direction represents the Caucasian cultures of the earth

• White bear takes our trauma, pain and sorrow to the North

• Time of peace, to reflect on how you have helped Mother Earth, her children and inspired others from your own experiences

• Smoke from sweetgrass rises from a fire and prayers rise with it to the Creator, sweetgrass is representative of the sacred hair of Mother Earth

• The place where you disconnect from the physical body

• Bear gives strength and endurance

north doorWay

8

An important part of maintaining any garden is to keep both written and image records. Your notes will help you keep track of what you and the plants have accomplished throughout the year. Record keeping should include notes tracking:

• overall health of the garden

• growth of successful and non-successful plants

• disease, drought

• wildlife and insects observed

Planning ahead what needs to be done each season combined with regular maintenance is an essential element for success in the garden. A chart of seasons, tasks to be accomplished and equipment required will set some general guidelines and help keep track of progress (please refer to Table 2).

TraCkIng, reCord keePIng and MaInTenanCe

Tasks for eaCH season

Leaf Cutter Bee, photo credit Rob Cruickshank

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SPrInG / late SPrInG SuMMer fall WInter

Notebook & Camera - take notes of all tasks, plant growth - record images of area, new growth (take im-ages; before, during, end of growth period )

Notebook & Camera - note growth, take images of growth stages, flowers emerging, wildlife in area - note plants not estab-lished, possibly relocate

Notebook & Camera - progression images of growth, what plants are flowering, wildlife

Review notes - identify areas where too much growth or not successful, plan for alternate or additional plants

Set up list of equipment for season Remove weeds Remove weeds

Prepare area for new seasonal growth Water as needed - be aware of dry periods

Thin out and maintain diverse colour/variety of plants

Perform visual site check for wildlife habitat (ie: ground nests)

Cut back aggressive weeds or invasive species

Leave dead growth to act as “blanket” for winter

Mow area, rake, cut back or pull visible weeds Monitor crowding, thin out and replant in alternate areas

Allow leaves to remain on garden

Prepare vinegar based herbicide to spray on weeds & invasive species

Check equipment - repair as necessary

Put cuttings in compost for future use(makingsureweedsorinvasiveplantsarenotputincompost)

Establish list of plants to be planted for the following year

Replenish mulch where necessary

Divide new growth if plant is overtaking area

Plant new variety or re-distribute divided plants

Water new and relocated plants

Table #2 – General Seasonal Maintenance: Guidelines

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Controlling WeedsThis aspect of maintenance for the Medicine Wheel Garden should only be done under the direction and guidance of an elder or traditional medicine person to ensure correct steps are taken.

An ounce of prevention:•Remove seed sources of undesirable plants. Hand-pull or clip back the seed heads of weed

plants before they go to seed. This will slowly remove the seedbed of weeds from the area, inhibiting weeds from coming back in future years. Don’t put any weeds that are about to go to seed in the compost.

A pound of cure:• Hand-pull weeds. Make sure to pull weeds out from the roots by pulling from the base of the

plant. Weeding after a rain storm is easiest as the ground will be softer. A trowel can be used to loosen the soil to remove well-rooted weeds.

• Apply soap or vinegar spray. Spraying unwanted plants with a soap and vinegar solution is an easy, non-toxic way to eliminate weeds (2 parts vinegar, 1 part dish soap. 2 parts water). Just make sure to avoid other plants when using it – it will kill any plant it hits!

• Smother the problem. For larger areas of weeds, spread thick dark plastic (heavy duty plastic bags or landscape fabric) over the ground. This works best if the coverings are put down in the early fall and left until you are ready to plant in spring. Leave for at least two months to kill weeds properly.

• Consider leaving certain ‘weeds’. So-called weeds like golden rod, Queen Anne’s lace, yarrow and common milkweed are highly beneficial to insects, so unless they are taking over the area, consider leaving them.

MaInTaInIng THe MedICIne wHeel garden

Fill the whole dug for new plants with water before filling it back in with soil to help new root growth.

11

In the summer months it is important to make sure that a plan is in place for watering particularly during periods of drought. Here are some tips for optimizing water use.

•Water early in the morning: In the morning, less water evaporates and more water is taken up by the plants, making it available to them during the hottest part of the day.

•Get a rain barrel: Collect rainwater from the roof of a nearby building or shed into a rain barrel by directing the downspout of your eavestrough into the rain barrel. This is a great, natural source of water for your plants.

• Use a soaker hose: Soaker hoses can be attached to rain barrels or to the garden hose. Drip irrigation is a more efficient method of watering than a sprinkler because it delivers the water directly to the roots where it’s most effective.

•Watch the weather: Plants will need more water in the first growing season when they are establishing a root system. The garden needs about 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water per week, including rainfall. Measure the rainfall using a rain gauge (available through your local municipality or any garden store) to ensure you are not over-watering. One good soak per week is better than frequent light watering because it encourages deep roots which are more drought resistant.

waTer reQuIreMenTs

Image of root systems underground

12

Insects need protection for overwintering, and by leaving the dead and dying vegetation in the garden it assists in protecting beneficial insects during the winter months.

Winter residents using the garden include:

•Pollinators in a variety of life stages – egg, larva, pupa or adult

•Most native bees in their nest cells as pupae, emerging as adults the following spring

•Resident butterflies in a variety of dormant life stages, depending on the species, and all require some sort of sheltered area

•Ground beetles remain active and can be seen foraging around leaf litter and flower beds

•Ladybugs in large clusters on dead plant stems found in sheltered parts of the garden

•Garden spiders as eggs – either in the ground or on dead plant stems

•Toads and newts under pots, stones and logs

•Frogs under piles of leaf litter

•Local wildlife which use these areas for food source and shelter

aTTraCTIng wIldlIfe and PollInaTor sPeCIes

Lady bugs are just one insect of many thatwinter in your garden.

13

•Considernewfeaturesorchangestothegardenandsurroundingarea.Lookbackoveryourrecords to see what worked well, and what hasn’t been as successful as you had hoped.

•Ifyou’relookingtoaddsomenewelementstothearea,fallisoneofthebesttimestoplanttrees and shrubs. Ensure that the newly planted trees and shrubs will not shade out your sun-loving medicinal plants.

•Avoiddisturbingthesoil,ordigginginflowerbeds,asthiswilldisturboverwinteringinsects.

•Donotremovedeadplantmaterial–itprovidesshelterforoverwinteringpollinatorsandfood sources for birds. Harvesting or removing any plants in this garden, should be done under the direction and guidance of an elder or traditional medicine person to ensure correct steps are taken.

•Avoidpruningtreesorshrubs–notonlywillthisremovethenewbudsthathavealreadyformed for spring growth, it will also remove many of the berries and seeds that serve as food sources for birds over the winter.

What you SHOULD do in the fall

What you SHOULD NOT to do in the fall

don’t remove berries and seeds that serve as food sources for birds over the winter.

14

locatIon coMMon naMe ScIentIfIc naMe

East Quadrant Blanketflower (Gaillardiaaristata)

Prairie Coneflower (Ratibidapinnata)

Hairy False Golden Aster (Heterothecavillosa)

Helen’s Flower (Heleniumautumnale)

Curlycup Gumweed (Grindeliasquarrosa)

Stiff Goldenrod (Oligoneuronrigidum)

South Quadrant Prairie Smoke, 3-Flower Avens (Geumtriflorum)

Cut-leaved Anemone (Anemonemultifida)

Blazingstar (Liatrisspicata)

Wild Bergamot (Monardafistulosa)

Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinaceapallida)

Purple Coneflower (Echinaceapurpurea)

West Quadrant Sweet Grass (Hierochloeodorata)

Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchiummontanum)

Wild Mint (Menthaarvensis)

North Quadrant Prairie (White) Sagebrush (Artemisialudoviciana)

Common Yarrow (Achilleamilleflolium

Prairie Sagewort (Artemisiafrigida)

Pussy Toes (Antennariahowellii)

Ground Plum Milk Vetch (Astragalusalpinesvaralpinus)

Table #3 - List of Plants by Common & Scientific Name

15

a QuICk referenCe of flower sHaPes for IdenTIfICaTIon

16

referenCe1 AgricultureandAgri-FoodCanada, 2007. Canada’s Medicinal Plant History

http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1174597176899&lang=eng

Ceremony at the Heart Lake Medicine Wheel Garden (Gitigaan Mashkiki)

17

Preferred Planting conditions:- Full sun - Sand to loam soil- Dry to medium water regime - Drought tolerant

description & Key features:Height: - 30 to 60 centimeters (1 to 2 feet) - Blooms from June to September, long stout stems from tap root, oblong shaped leaves

Flower: - Bright red “daisy-like” flower with yellow-orange tips

Maintenance & care:- Propagate by seed only- Best results with space between plants

habitat location and Value:- Open, hot fields and plains- Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and some song birds, used in cut flower arrangements- Rarely grazed

additional Information:Very resilient to heat and provides flowers throughout the summer

Blanketflower (Gaillardiaaristata) • Family: Aster(Asteraceae)

Plant location: eaSt Quadrant of Medicine Wheel

Photo credit: PAN Photo credit: PAN

18

Preferred Planting conditions:- Full sun - Sand to soil- Moist, medium dry soils - Survives flood, drought and snow

description & Key features:Height: - 90 to 180 centimeters (3 to 6 feet) - Blooms July to September, woody based stem with numerous alternate, pinnate leaves

Flower: - Yellow or reddish-brown, 5 to 8 drooping petals grow from column-shaped centre

Maintenance & care:- Propagate by seed only in sunny location, best planted in early spring

- Plant in a firm weed-free bed, place seeds 6 to12 millimeters (¼ to ½ inch) into soil- Excessive growth of other species may crowd out the Prairie Coneflower

traditional use:- Cones and leaves boiled for tea- Roots used for toothache

additional Information:When cone of flower is crushed an anise smell is emitted

aliases:Pinnate Prairie Coneflower, Grey headed prairie coneflower,Drooping coneflower.

Prairie Coneflower (Ratibidapinnata) • Family: Aster(Asteraceae)


Photo credit: PAN Photo credit: PANPhoto credit: PAN

19

Preferred Planting conditions:- Sun & part shade- Dry to moderate soil- Drought tolerant

description & Key features:Height: - 10 to 30 centimeters (4 to 12 inches) Grows in clump with small leaves, rough-haired stems

Flower: - Yellow and in clusters

Maintenance & care:- Ground cover requiring minimal water

habitat location & Value:- Abundant in west in dry areas- Open plains , slopes, cliffs- Attracts butterflies and bees

traditional use:- Leaves poultice for ant bites, toothaches and nose irritation- Plant burned to cleanse house of negative spirits- Tea made of tops to help sleep, relieve chest pain- Used as ceremonial wash in sweat lodge

additional Information:Different species can be distinguished by hair on stems

Hairy False Goldenaster (Heterothecavillosa) • Family: Aster(Asteraceae)


Photo credit: Alexander, PJ Photo credit: Alexander, PJ Photo credit: Peterson, JS

20

Preferred Planting conditions:- Full sun - Medium to moist sand/clay soil- Drought intolerant- Requires high moisture regime

description & Key features:Height: - 121 to152 centimeters (4 to 5 feet) - Blooms August to September, slender, erect stem smooth to roughLeaves: - Alternate, slender 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches), grey and hairy when young, turning green and smoothFlower: - Yellow, sunflower-like petals

Maintenance & care:- Reproduces by seed only - Plant in a firm weed-free bed, place seeds 6 to12 millimeters (¼ to ½ inch) into soil

- Excessive growth of other species may crowd out Helen’s Flower

habitat location & Value:- Found in marshes and wet areas- Attracts butterflies- Poisonous to wildlife

traditional use:- Dried mature flower heads ground down to powder, used as snuff for colds and headaches- Made into tea to treat intestinal worms- Infusion of stems as wash for treating fevers

additional Information:Contains helenalin which is an insecticide property toxic to fish and worms

aliases:- Staggerwort, swamp sunflower, bitterweed, false sunflower

Helen’s Flower (Sneezeweed) (Heleniumautumnale) • Family: Aster(Asteraceae)


Photo credit: Barnes, TG

21


description & Key features:Height: - 20 to 60 centimeters (7 to 24 inches) - Erect hairless stem, leaves oblong with small teethFlower: - Yellow with 25 to 40 petals - Blooms July to September

Maintenance & care:- Reproduced by seed- Requires 60 to 90 days of cold moist stratification- Ground cover requiring minimal water

habitat location & Value:- Prairies, waste areas, open fields- Bitter taste, not palatable for grazing wildlife

traditional use:- Flowers, leaves used to treat bronchitis and sores- Flower heads dried, crushed to powder and used with tobacco for asthma- Tea used for stomach ache, kidney ailments, whooping cough, asthma, pneumonia, colds- Sappy leaves pounded to treat poison ivy

additional Information:- Tough but short-lived plant, biennial- Can invade overgrazed land

aliases:- Resin weed, tar weed, sticky heads

Curlycup Gumweed (Grindeliasquarrosa) • Family: Aster(Asteraceae)


Photo credit: Schneider, A Photo credit: Landry, LMPhoto credit: Landry, LM

22

Preferred Planting conditions:- Full sun - Dry to medium sand, loam soil

description & Key features:Height: - 30 to 90 centimeters (1 to 3 feet) - Blooms September to October, slender, erect stem smooth to roughLeaves: - Alternate, slender rough - Upper leaves are lance shape, lower are oblongFlower: - Flat top, yellow miniature aster flowers

Maintenance & care:- Reproduces by seed- Plant 6 millimeters (¼ inch) into soil- Will produce transplants in one season- Plants largely cross-pollinated

habitat location & Value:- Found in prairies and woods- Used for roadside plantings- Attracts butterflies- Palatable to wildlife but not preferred grazing

traditional use:- Lotion made to treat bee stings- Tea made to soothe sore throats

additional Information:- Species can become invasive- Young plants are grazed, older plants spread quickly

aliases:- Rigid Goldenrod, showy goldenrod

Stiff Goldenrod (Oligoneuronrigidum) • Family: Aster(Asteraceae)


Photo credit: Barnes, TG Photo credit: Rechenthin, CA

23

Preferred Planting conditions:- Full sun to part shade- Sand or loam soil- Dry to medium water requirement

description & Key features:Height: - 20 centimeters (less than 1 ft) - Blooms in early spring, small group of 3 flowers - Open to feathery-like pink seed headsLeaves: - blue-green with hairsFlower: - red-purple bell shape in group of 3

Maintenance & care:- Spreads by rhizomes producing mat-like ground cover- Requires well drained soil

habitat location & Value:- Tallgrass prairies and rocky soils- Not palatable to wildlife and is deer resistant

traditional use:- Roots used to make weak “sassafras-like” tea treating colic & digestive disorders- Used as body wash in traditional sweat-lodge to relieve aches- Crushed ripe seeds used as perfume

additional Information:One of the most distinctive wild plants, resembles smoke rising over leaves

aliases:- Old Man’s Whiskers, torch flower, lion’s beard, purple avens, Johnny smokers

Prairie Smoke, 3 Flower Avens (Geumtriflorum) • Family: Rose (Rosaceae)

Plant location: South Quadrant of Medicine Wheel

Photo credit: Monroe, GA Photo credit: Barnes, TG Photo credit: PAN

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description & Key features:Height: - 30 to 90 centimeters (1 to 3 feet) - Blooms June to AugustStems: - 15 to 50 centimetres (6 to 20 inches) with fine hairsLeaves: - Long, slimFlower: - Yellow-white inner, pink to purple outer area

Maintenance & care:- Ground cover requiring minimal water- Grown from seed in spring or divide plants in fall

habitat location & Value:Dry gravel areas, open woods

traditional use:- Fresh leaves used to treat neuralgia and rheumatism- Dried leaves crushed and “smelled to relieve headache

additional Information:- Does have poisonous parts- Sap can cause irritations and inflammation

aliases:Pacific anemone, Cut-leaved Anemone

Pacific/Cut-leaved Anemone (Anemonemultifida) • Family: Buttercup (Ranunculaceae)


Photo credit: Schneider, A Photo credit: Schneider, APhoto credit: Haug, E

25

Preferred Planting conditions:- Full sun- Dry to moderate soil- Drought tolerant

description & Key features:Height: - 90 to 120 centimeters (3 to 4 feet) - Blooms mid-summer to early fallLeaves: - Grass-like leaves from the stem upwards to base of flowerFlower: - Spike of violet flowers in tuft-like cluster

Maintenance & care:- Reproduced from seed- Allow flower head to become a tan colour, allow stalk to dry indoors, gently shake to loosen seeds- Store in refrigerated container

- Ground cover requiring minimal water- Does best when cleaned up in spring

habitat location & Value:- Dry and moist areas, prairies and marsh edges- Attracts butterflies, song birds and hummingbirds- Deer resistant

traditional use:-Boiled to ease back and limb pain, stomach ache

additional Information:One of the most distinctive wild plants, resembles smoke rising over leaves

aliases:Dense gayfeather, Dense blazingstar, Marsh blazingstar

Blazingstar (Liatrisspicata) • Family: Aster (Asteraceae)


Photo credit: PAN

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Wild Bergamot (Monardafistulosa) • Family: Mint (Lamiaceae)


Preferred Planting conditions:- Full sun to part shade- Sand to clay soil- Dry to medium water regime

description & Key features:Height: - 90 to 152 centimeters (3 to 5 feet) - Blooms from July to September, square stemLeaves: - Lanceolate shaped leaf arrangementFlower: - Lavender to pinkish colour clusters

Maintenance & care:- Mow down after hardest frost or in early spring, this controls ‘woody’ and dead plants- Spreads by rhizomes- To control aggressive growth dig up and divide clump in March - Add leaf mold and compost to soil

habitat location & Value:- Dry and moist areas, prairies and marsh edges- Attracts butterflies, song birds and hummingbirds- Deer resistant

traditional use:- Used for cooking with meat or dried flowers make a minty tea- Ojibwa chewed the leaves and placed in nostrils to relieve headaches- Leaves placed in warm water for bathing babies- Leaves & flowers boiled for abdominal pain, headache- Leaves boiled as treatment for acne

additional Information:Very fragrant flower

aliases:Bee balm

27

Preferred Planting conditions:- Full sun to part shade- Sand to clay soil- Dry to medium moisture regime

description & Key features:Height: - 60 to 152 centimeters (2 to 5 feet) - Stout stems with coarse bristly hairs - Blooms from June to SeptemberLeaves: - Broad lance shape lower leaves, irregular toothedFlower: - Ray shape flower with slightly drooping purple petals - Bright reddish-orange tips on spiny centre

Maintenance & care:- Germinate seeds in flats- Plant when 2nd set of leaves has appeared, weed and water- Plant in late spring or early summer in well prepared, weed-free soil, 1 – 2 feet apart

habitat location & Value:- Introduced to Ontario- Rocky prairie areas, wooded areas - Favorite seed of songbirds, especially Goldfinch, gophers and moles eat roots, attracts butterflies, deer resistant

traditional use:- Pain relief, toothaches, colds, reduce inflammation, snake bites and treatment for infections

additional Information:- Takes 3 to 4 years for roots to reach harvestable size

aliases:- Snakeroot, scurvy root, Indian head, comb flower, hedgehog and Eastern purple coneflower

Eastern Purple Coneflower (Echinaceapurpurea) • Family: Aster (Asteraceae)


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Preferred Planting conditions:- Full sun to part shade- Sand to clay soil- Drought tolerant

description & Key features:Height: - 90 to 152 centimeters (3 to 5 feet) - Blooms June and July, stout stems with coarse bristly hairsLeaves: - shape, rough texture approximately 7 inches longFlower: - Pale purple, drooping petals

Maintenance & care:- Does not require fertilizer for seed planting in normal conditions- Propagate by seed only- Cultivate weeds between plant rows- Remove dead plant material in spring

habitat location & Value:- Wildlife planting along roads and restoration areas- Food and cover for wildlife- Attracts butterflies, song birds- Used in cut flower arrangements- Deer resistant

traditional use:- Believe to be the most widely used plant for medicinal purposes- Root chewed or boiled in tea for snake bite, spider bite, cancer, toothache, burns, colds, flu, sores

additional Information:- Believed to have cortisone-like, insecticidal and bactericidal activity - Also believed to have a stimulant effect on immune system

Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinaceapallida) • Family: Aster (Asteraceae)


29

Preferred Planting conditions:- Sun & part shade- Sand to clay soil- Medium to moist water regime- Not drought intolerant

description & Key features:Height: - 30 to 60 centimeters (1 to 2 feet) - Blooms July to October, slender, semi-erect stems from slender creeping rhizomesLeaves: - Few and rough-edgedFruit: - Typical grass seed

Maintenance & care:- Reproduces by rhizome (root), producing by seed is slow- Plant newly separated plants in container, place in shade for 2 to 3 weeks for best results

habitat location & Value:- Rodents and small mammals browse on sweet grass

traditional use:- Dried and braided stems burned at ceremonies- Used for purification and to carry prayers to Great Spirits- Dried and carried in pouches for perfume- Infused plant used as wash for hair and body- Tea used for multiple purposes: cleansing, coughs, sore throat- As incense or smudge: prior to hunting, ceremony, spiritual medicine- Braided and coiled to make mats, containers, bowls and baskets

additional Information:- Useful for wetland restoration and erosion control

aliases:Alpine Sweetgrass, Vanilla grass, holy grass, Seneca grass

Sweet Grass (HierochloeodorataakaAnthoxanthummonticola) • Family: Grass (Poaceae)

Plant location: WeSt Quadrant of Medicine Wheel

Photo credit: Landry, LM Photo credit: Landry, LM Photo credit: Landry, LMPhoto credit: Landry, LM

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Preferred Planting conditions:- Sun & part shade- Medium to moist soil- Drought intolerant- Requires high moisture regime

description & Key features:Height: - 15 to 30 centimeters (0.5 to 1 feet) - Narrow grass-like branched stems, silvery-blue in early spring, turn a blue-green in summerFlowers:- Blue-violet with yellow centre

Maintenance & care:- Reproduces by seed or division of roots- Best to divide in spring

- Requires moisture and will decline if allowed to dry out- Divide plants every other year

habitat location & Value:- Damp open woods, marsh, stream banks, meadows- Not used as food for wildlife

traditional use:- Root tea for treatment of diarrhea in children- Plant tea for stomach aches

additional Information:Makes ideal border plant as edge for paths or gardens

Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchiummontanum) • Family: Iris (Iridaceae)


Photo credit: Landry, LM Photo credit: Landry, LMPhoto credit: Landry, LM

31

Preferred Planting conditions:- Full sun & part shade- Sand to clay soil- Dry moisture regime

description & Key features:Height: - 10 to 81 centimeters (4 to 32 inches) - Blooms July to September, erect, square-shaped stemLeaves: - Opposite toothed dark green leaves tapering to pointFlowers:- White to pink, cluster

Maintenance & care:- Reproduced by seed- Germinate in pots, plant in spring

habitat location & Value:- Wet meadows, shores, marshes, along streams, Prairies, woods, meadows

traditional use:- Tea of leaves and tops used for treating fevers- Flavoring in salads or cooked foods- Aids in digestion

additional Information:- Used as insect repellant - Rats, rodents do not like smell- Known to be used in granaries to repel rodents

Wild Mint (Menthaarvensis) • Family: Mint (Lamiaceae)


Photo credit: Landry, LMPhoto credit: Landry, LM

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Preferred Planting conditions:- Best with some shade but can tolerate full sun exposure- Dry well-drained soil- Drought tolerant

description & Key features:Height: - 30 to 90 centimeters (1 to3 feet) - Blooms from June to OctoberLeaves: - Silvery-green foliage - Leaves (smooth edge) from rhizomesFlowers:- White or yellowish-

Maintenance & care:- Does not dominate area and dies back at end of season- New shoots formed from existing shoots - Stalks connected by underground stems- Reproduces both vegetatively and by seed

habitat location & Value:- Grows in fields, roadsides, disturbed sites- Attracts butterflies- Food source for white-tail & mule deer, elk and grasshoppers

traditional use:- Smudge for cleansing purification and ceremonies- Used as weak tea for stomach ache, digestion and menstrual disorders- Poultice used for rashes, itches, swellings, boils and sores- Crushed leaves used to treat headaches, sinuses and nosebleeds

additional Information:- Plant can be burned l to repel mosquitoes- Leaves placed in shoes act as foot deodorizer

aliases:Silver wormwood, white sagebrush, wild sage, pasture sage, wormwood, white mugwort, western mugwort, Louisiana sage, dark-leaf mugwort, Mexican sagewort, Chihuahua sagewort, Garfield tea, lobed cudweed, man sage

Prairie (White) Sagebrush (Artemisialudoviciana) • Family: Aster (Asteraceae)

Plant location: north Quadrant of Medicine Wheel

Photo credit: Landry, LM Photo credit: Landry, LMPhoto credit: PAN

33

Preferred Planting conditions:- Full sun- Sand or clay soil- Drought tolerant

description & Key features:Height: - 30 to 90 centimeters (1 to 3 feet) - Blooms July to AugustLeaves: - Fern-like leaves evenly distributed with tiny flowers forming inFlowers:- Commonly white dome-like, umbels (bunch) at top of plant - Can be pink, yellow, orange or mauve

Maintenance & care:- Spreads quickly through roots (rhizomes), divide plant every two years- May become invasive (divide to control) - Plant in well-drained soil, 12 to 18 inches apart

habitat location & Value:- Common in fields, pastures, disturbed areas, roadsides- Generally unpalatable to livestock but flowers are consumed

traditional use:- Herbal tree made from flowering plant used to treat colds, fever, gastric ailments and indigestion- Leaves soaked in water used on wounds and for rashes and itching- Mashed leaves used as poultice for headache and earache

additional Information:- Growing plant deters ants, flies and beetles- Can be burned to repel mosquitoes- One ingredient of herbal compost activator to speed up bacterial activity- May cause dermatitis (inflammation of skin)

aliases:Bloodwort, carpenter’s weed, common yarrow, milfoil, plumajillo

Common Yarrow (Achilleamillefolium) • Family: Aster (Asteraceae)


34

Preferred Planting conditions:- Best with some shade but can tolerate full sun exposure- Dry well-drained soil- Drought tolerant

description & Key features:Height: - 10 to 40 centimeters (4 to 16 inches) - Spreading shrublet - Blooms from June to OctoberLeaves: - White to silver-grey-green foliage, dense fuss-like hairsFlowers:- White or yellowish

Maintenance & care:- Does not dominate area- Dies back at end of season, new shoots formed from existing shoots- Stalks connected by underground stems- Reproduces both vegetatively and by seedhabitat location & Value:

- Grows in fields, roadsides, disturbed sites- Provides cover for small animals, attracts butterflies- Food source for wildlife such as white-tail & mule deer, elk and grasshoppers

traditional use:- Smudge for purification and ceremonies- Used as weak tea for stomach ache and menstrual disorders- Poultice used for rashes, itches, swellings, boils and sores- Crushed leaves used to treat headaches, sinuses and nosebleeds

additional Information:- Plant can be burned to repel mosquitoes- Leaves placed in shoes act as foot deodorizer

aliases:Pasture sage, northern wormwood, fringed sage, sweet sage

Prairie Sagewort (Artemisiafrigida) • Family: Aster (Asteraceae)


Photo credit: Ripley, JD Photo credit: Landry, LMPhoto credit: Landry, LM

35

Preferred Planting conditions:- Sun & part shade- Dry to moderate soil- Drought tolerant-

description & Key features:Height: - 3 to 15 centimeters (1.2 to 6 inches) - Low ground cover with erect fairly leafless stalk - Blooms from June to SeptemberFlowers:- Whitish flower

Maintenance & care:- Grows rapidly forming mat-like cover- Reproduces both vegetatively and by seed- Plant located outside of garden in surrounding area

habitat location & Value:- Open forests, pastures, meadows, roadsides- Grows well on gentle slopes- Not palatable for grazing animals- Attracts butterflies and moths

traditional use:- To reduce swelling - Greens used for food, medicine and smoke - Historically used for totem protection

aliases:Nuttall’s, small-leaved, little-leaf and silver pussy toes

Pussy Toes (Small-leaf Pussytoes) (AntennariahowelliisppCanadensis) • Family: Aster (Asteraceae)



36

Preferred Planting conditions:- Full sun- Sand, loam soils- Dry, light moisture regime

description & Key features:Height: - 30 to 90 centimeters (1 to 3 feet)Leaves: -Small and multipleFlowers:- White, lavender, pink-purple

Maintenance & care:- Reproduced by seed- Dry seed requires stratification if planted directly in ground

- Greenhouse: Soak seed in water, allow to swell- Germination slow (4 to 9 weeks)- Plant located outside of garden in surrounding area

habitat location & Value:- Prairie, meadow, fields- Attracts butterflies and bees

additional Information:- Some species are poisonous- Crassicarpus defined as “thick fruit”

Ground Plum Milk Vetch (Astragalusalpinesvaralpinus) • Family: Pea (Fabaceae)



37

Preferred Planting conditions:- Full sun to part shade- Sand, loam soil- Dry, light moisture regime

description & Key features:Height: - 30 to 90 centimeters (1 to 3 feet) - Stems erect, woody, hairy, grow in clumps - Blooms from May to September Leaves: - Leaves lance shape (long, wider in middle) - Shiny green, velvety underneathFlowers:- Showy orange groups with 5 petals

Maintenance & care:- Reproduced by seed and rhizome – can be invasive- Bloom in second year, rarely in first year- Collect rhizome cutting when plant is dormant and have in ground

before late fall to allow root development- Break off stalks in late fall to encourage new spring growth

habitat location & Value:- Grows in clumps along roadsides, fields, pastures, disturbed sites- Larval food source for the Monarch butterfly

traditional use:- Fiber for cord, cloth, rope - Shoots, flowers boiled as vegetable- Root for swelling, sore throat, rash

additional Information:- Can be toxic if not prepared properly - Believed to be toxic to livestock- Fibers found in textiles from the pre-historic Arizona/New Mexico

aliases:- Orange milkweed, chigger weed

Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepiastuberosa) • Family: Milkweed (Asclepiadaceae)


38

Preferred Planting conditions:- Full sun to part shade- Sand, clay or rocky soil- Dry, medium water regime

description & Key features:Height: - 57 cm – 198 cm (1.9 to 6.5 ft) - Erect, hairy stem - Blooms from May to September Leaves: - Leaves broad ovate to elleiptic, dense hair belowFlowers:- Small, 5-petal, light pink to rose clusters at top of plant

Maintenance & care:- Reproduced by seed and rhizome – can be invasive- Bloom in second year, rarely in first year- Collect rhizome cutting when plant is dormant and have in ground before late fall to allow root development

- Break off stalks in late fall to encourage new spring growth

habitat location & Value:- Grows in clumps along roadsides, fields, ponds and waterways- Larval food source for the Monarch butterfly

traditional use:- Fiber for cord, cloth, rope - Shoots, flowers boiled as vegetable- Root for swelling, sore throat, rash

additional Information:- Flowers can be eaten but sap is poisonous- Used for fiber, food and medicine- Stems collected when dry to collect fibers, twisted to make cord

aliases:Virginia-silk, algodoncillo, silky swallowwort

Common Milkweed (Asclepiassyriaca) • Family: Milkweed (Asclepiadaceae)


aCknowledgeMenTs

IMages ProvIded by:

This Medicine Wheel Garden (Gitigaan Mashkiki) and the associated guide have been made possible through the generosity of our partners and volunteers. We would like to thank and acknowledge the following groups and individuals who contribute and participate to the continued success of this project.

City of BramptonAnthony Templer - Aboriginal ElderCat Criger - Aboriginal ElderDr. Kathy AbsolonFour Colours Drumming Circle Heart Lake Community Action Area Group

Peel Aboriginal Network staff & Circle of DirectorsRegion of PeelTRCA Stewardship Staff

Larry AllainPJ Alexander, USDA J. AndersonThomas G. Barnes, University of KentuckyCasey CookAlex CookGA CooperRob CruckshankLouis M. Landry, Services Professionnels en EnvironnementGary A Monroe, USDAPeel Aboriginal Network (PAN)JD Ripley

Al Schneider, Southwest Colorado Wildflowers

Smithsonian, Botany Department

United States Department of Agriculture, Plant Images Collection

for more information regarding the Medicine Wheel Garden (Gitigaan Mashkiki) and other related activities visit: www.trca.on.ca or www.peelaboriginalnetwork.org.

plant identification & maintenance guide - toronto and region

Documents