Eastern Wyoming Edible Plants

Medicinal Uses:

• Steeped bark in tea to ease stomach troubles.
• Tea made from bark and twigs given to mothers to aid with recovery after childbirth.
• Juice used for treating stomach ailments and as a laxative.
• Ripe fruits incorporated into eye and ear drops.
• Boiled bark used as a disinfectant.
• Root infusion used to prevent miscarriage after an injury.
• Tea from twigs and stem given to women just after birth and as a bath.
• Potent tonic from the bark given to women after delivery to hasten discharge of the placenta.
• Root bark tea used for excessive menstrual bleeding, menstrual pain, and diarrhea.
• Used in combination with other plants as a contraceptive.

Food Source:

• Berries: Eaten fresh, dried, or used in pemmican, a high-energy food.Juneberry fruit has a sweet flavor, sometimes compared to a mix of blueberries and almonds or cherries.
• Mixed with cornmeal to make cakes.
• Added to stews.
• Seeds: Eaten and have an almond-like flavor.

Other Traditional Uses:

• Wood used for tool handles, fishing rods, and arrow shafts.
• Wood crafted into body armor (heavy robe or overcoat and corset armor).
• Branches used to craft baskets, ropes, fish traps, and tools for unearthing root crops.

Culinary Applications:

• Fresh berries: Used in jams, jellies, desserts, and smoothies.
• Dried berries: Used in baking or as a snack.
• Used to make pies, cobblers, jams, jellies, and cakes.
• Can be used to make wine, beer, cider, and tea.
• Used as a flavoring agent in various dishes.
• Juneberry Jam recipe available.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Excellent source of iron.
• High in phenolic compounds, particularly anthocyanins.
• Contains potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous.
• Comparable to blueberries in vitamin C, B vitamins, and vitamin E content.
• Lower moisture content than blueberries, resulting in relatively higher amounts of protein, carbs, and lipids.
• Rich in antioxidants, which combat oxidative stress and may reduce inflammation.
• Fiber content supports digestive health.

Garden and Landscape:

• Ornamental value: Showy white blossoms in spring and fiery red-orange foliage in fall.
• Attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
• Provides food and habitat for wildlife.
• Can be used in edible landscaping, food forests, and sustainable gardens.
• Cold-hardy, thriving in USDA Zones 2-9.
• Adaptable to various soil types and tolerates partial shade.
• Drought-tolerant once established.
• Non-invasive.

Medicinal Uses:

• Poultice for swellings.
• Infusion for eye problems and gastrointestinal distress.
• Wash for the body and hair.
• Treating eye infections, stomach disorders, and swellings.
• Poultices of crushed leaves and seeds to treat infected wounds, irritated eyes, bruises, etc.

Food Source:

• Seeds were consumed for their nutritive value and flavor.
• Flax seed used as food by several native tribes of the upper Missouri River region.
• Wild Blue Flax seeds are edible when cooked. They must not be eaten raw because they contain cyanide.
• The seeds have a pleasing nutty flavor and high oil content.

Other Traditional Uses:

• Fibers from the stems used to make linen cloth.
• Fibers used for cordage and string.
• Fibers used for mats, snowshoes, fishing nets and baskets.
• Linseed oil, obtained from the seeds, used in paints, varnishes and linoleum.
• Used to make strong rope.
• The plant's fibers can be used in crafting and textiles.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Excellent source of Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid.
• Rich in dietary fiber and protein.
• High in lignans, which may help protect against cancer and function as antioxidants.
• Lignans have estrogen-like properties.
• Contains B vitamins, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, potassium and the antioxidant, selenium.

Medicinal Properties:

• Laxative properties, helping with digestive regularity.
• Flaxseed oil used to relieve coughs and colds.
• High concentration of omega-3 fatty acids and lignans can contribute to heart health and potentially reduce the risk of certain cancers.
• Decoction of the seeds can be used for respiratory conditions and inflammation.
• Flaxseed may help lower total blood cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol levels.
• May help reduce inflammation, potentially offering some relief for pain like lower back pain or sciatica.
• May help reduce joint pain and stiffness in arthritis.

Culinary Applications:

• Seeds can be added to smoothies, baked goods, or sprinkled on salads.
• Seeds can be ground into a powder and added to soups, salads and smoothies, or used as a filler in burger patties and meatloaf.
• Flaxseed oil is used in cooking and as a dietary supplement.
• Flax has been used in fruit juice drinks.
• Sprinkle the seed on breakfast cereals or salads.
• Adding ground flaxseed to foods helps to lower the glycemic load.
• Soluble fiber and water can form a glutenous mixture used as a substitute for egg in recipes.
• Add ground flaxseed to hot or cold breakfast cereal.
• Add a teaspoon of ground flaxseed to mayonnaise or mustard when making a sandwich.
• Mix a tablespoon of ground flaxseed into an 8-ounce container of yogurt.
• Bake ground flaxseed into cookies, muffins, breads and other baked goods.

Garden and Landscape:

• Ornamental plant.Blue Flax Flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Attracts other insect pollinators.
• The plant is a caterpillar host plant and larval food source for native butterflies and moths.
• Provides food for deer, antelope, and birds (herbage or seed).
• Fibrous root system helps with soil stabilization and erosion control.
• Drought-tolerant.
• Low-maintenance perennial.
• Suitable for meadowscapes, pollinator gardens, and rock gardens.
• Can be used as a ground cover with other drought-tolerant species.
• Self-seeds readily.
• Relatively resilient, boasting moderate pest resistance.

Medicinal Uses:

• Cold and sore throat remedy.
• Gastrointestinal aid.
• Febrifuge (fever reducer).
• Analgesic (pain reliever).
• Antihelmintic (expels intestinal worms).
• Antiseptic for skin infections, wounds, and as a mouthwash.
• Relief of headaches, sore eyes, colds.
• Used in sweat baths to cure colds.
• Decoction of boiled leaves used for facial eruptions.
• Warm poultice used for headaches.
• Tea from blossoms and leaves used for stomach pains.
• Applied boiled leaves to acne pustules.

Other Traditional Uses:

• Perfume.
• Meat preservative and flavoring.
• Tea.
• Spice.
• Fragrant pillow stuffing.
• Cooked with meat for flavor.
• Used to make a beverage.

Culinary Applications:

• Herbal teas.
• Flavoring agent in recipes.
• Used in salads.
• Flavoring for soups, meat dishes, and desserts.
• Used as a substitute for tea after the Boston Tea Party.
• Fresh leaves used in salads, teas, or infused oils.
• Flowers used as garnishes or brewed into teas.
• Young stems used in salads or as a flavoring agent.
• Can be used anywhere you'd use oregano or thyme, especially with tomatoes.

Medicinal Properties:

• Antiseptic.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Antispasmodic (calms muscle contractions).
• Expectorant (helps clear respiratory passages).
• Digestive and Carminative (supports digestion and expels gas).
• Rich in antioxidants.

Garden and Landscape:

• Ornamental plant.
• Used in prairie restoration.
• Restores forage for wild bees.
• Attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
• Provides plant community structure for birds and animals.
• Stabilizes streambanks and shorelines due to its roots.
• Used in gardens, naturalized areas, rain gardens, and informal borders.
• Deer resistant.
• Tolerant of black walnut.

Other Modern Uses:

• Used in flower arrangements.
• Essential oil used in aromatherapy and natural perfumery.
• Potential for use in natural deodorants and oral care products.
• Essential oil has displayed value as a mosquito repellent.

Medicinal Uses:

• Treatment for respiratory system ailments and sore throats.
• Astringent, anti-diarrheal, and sedative properties.
• Bark and dried fruit used to stimulate appetite.
• Inner bark used for the treatment of wounds.
• Root used for warding off colds, fever, and stomach ailments.
• Berries eaten to relieve stomach pain and aid digestion.
• Bark extract used to cure diarrhea.
• Fruits used to treat canker sores and cold sores.
• Leaves and twigs used to make a medicinal tea to treat colds and rheumatism.

Food Source:

• Berries: Eaten raw (when very ripe and dark) or dried and used in pemmican.
• Berries used to make juice, jelly, and syrup.
• Ground dried berries pressed into cakes for winter use.
• Added to stews.
• Bark and twigs used as a tea substitute.

Other Traditional Uses:

• Wood used for arrows, bows, and pipe stems.
• Fruit pulp can be used as a natural dye.
• Inner bark used for medicinal purposes such as cough syrups and sedatives.

Culinary Applications:

• Used to make juice, jelly, syrup, wine, and pies.
• Berries used in baked goods.
• Dried berries can be eaten without further preparation.
• Can be used in various recipes like BBQ sauce, compote, and frosting.
• Can be used to make wine or included in beer.
• Fruit leather made from chokecherry pulp.

Nutritional Benefits:

• High in fiber and antioxidants.
• Good source of manganese, potassium, and vitamins C, K, and B6.
• Contains vitamin A, vitamin B9, and Quinic acid.
• Can help boost the immune system and improve heart health.

Garden and Landscape:

• Used in shelterbelts, windbreaks, and wildlife habitat.
• Mass plantings for erosion control.
• Good for stabilizing streambanks and gullies.
• Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Provides food and cover for a variety of birds and animals.
• Suitable for ornamental use.
• Can be used in a pollinator or butterfly garden.

Wildlife Support:

• Important wildlife food plant.
• Provides food and cover for songbird nesting, bird loafing and roosting, and animal loafing and bedding.
• Relished by a great number of wildlife species.
• Used by large mammals like bears, moose, coyotes, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, elk, and deer.
• Food source for small mammals.
• Fruits are an important food for many birds.
• Early-blooming flowers offer nectar and pollen to bees.
• Host plant for the eastern tiger swallowtail, coral hairstreak, and red-spotted purple butterflies.
• Supports a large number of caterpillar species.

Food Source:

• Roots: Fermented or cooked for a sweet flavor.
• Seeds: Eaten raw or cooked, ground into flour (pinole) for various food items like mush or bread.
• Young shoots: Eaten raw or cooked.

Medicinal Uses:

• Respiratory ailments: Roots were pounded into a lather and rubbed on the chest to treat lung problems.
• Poultices: Made from roots and/or leaves for various uses:
  • Drawing out blisters.
  • Treating lung ailments.
  • Treating swellings, sprains, and broken bones.
  • Relieving pain from bruises and burns.
• Fever: A bath made from leaves was used to treat fever.
• Blood tonic: A decoction of the root was used.
• Other conditions: Used for treating tuberculosis, venereal diseases, colds, and fevers.

Culinary applications:

Mule's ears are finding their way into modern cuisine, used in salads and sautéed dishes.

Nutritional benefits:

Rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron.

Garden and landscape:

• Pollinator attraction: Bright yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
• Erosion control: Deep taproots help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
• Sustainable gardening: Drought tolerant and low-maintenance, making them ideal for xeriscaping.

Wildlife support:

Provides habitat and food for various species.

Medicinal Uses:

• Painkiller for ailments like toothache.
• Treating coughs, colds, and sore throats.
• Remedy for snake bite.
• Used for infections and wounds.
• Used as a general "cure-all".
• Treatment for respiratory tract infections.
• Used to alleviate toothaches.
• Poultices made to treat burns and insect bites.

Immune System Support:

• Used as a dietary supplement for the common cold and other respiratory tract infections, based on the idea that certain species may stimulate the immune system.
• Many herbalists recommend echinacea to help boost the immune system and help the body fight infections.
• May help shorten the duration of the common cold and flu, and reduce symptoms like sore throat, cough, and fever.
• Some studies show that echinacea may slightly reduce your chances of catching a cold, although more research is needed to confirm this.
• Stimulates the production of white blood cells, which fight infections.

Anti-inflammatory Properties:

• Echinacea contains active substances that reduce inflammation.
• May help treat various inflammatory conditions, including arthritis and respiratory infections.

Antioxidant Properties:

• Echinacea contains active substances that have antioxidant effects.
• May help neutralize free radicals in the body.

Skin Health:

• Some echinacea products may be promoted for topical use for various skin problems, like eczema.
• May be useful for certain skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and pruritus (itching).
• Cream containing echinacea extract may help soothe irritation caused by eczema and help build up the protective outer layer of skin.
• May improve skin hydration and reduce wrinkles.
• May help treat minor wounds and skin problems.

Other Potential Benefits:

• May help fight various infections, including urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast infections, ear infections, and slow-healing wounds.
• May help relieve pain.
• May help treat hay fever (allergic rhinitis).
• May help inhibit colon tumors when combined with cichoric acid.
• May help with anxiety.
• May offer protection against cancer.
• Recent research suggests potential anti-anxiety properties.

Garden and Landscape:

• Ornamental plant.
• Used in prairie restoration.
• Restores forage for wild bees.
• Attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
• Provides plant community structure for birds and animals.
• Stabilizes streambanks and shorelines due to its roots.
• Used in gardens, naturalized areas, rain gardens, and informal borders.
• Deer resistant.
• Tolerant of black walnut.

Culinary Uses:

• Echinacea petals can be incorporated into salads or infused in tea for their unique flavors.
• Dried flower heads can be used in crafts or potpourri arrangements.

Medicinal Uses:

• Treatment for mouth sores, diarrhea, asthma, coughs, and chapped skin.
• Fever-reducing washes and antiseptics.
• Treating wounds, burns, and skin infections.
• Relief of pain and bruises.
• Addressing hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
• Used as a gargle for sore throats.
• Treating lung infections.
• Alleviating toothaches.
• Used in sweat baths to cure colds.
• Treating chronic dysentery.
• Used for relieving hemorrhages.
• Used in douches for various conditions.

Food Source:

• Acorns: A significant food source for many tribes, processed to remove tannins and then eaten or made into flour for various food items like bread, mush, and soup.
• Used as a meat preservative and flavoring.
• Cooked with meat for flavor.
• Used to make a beverage.
• Oak leaves used to wrap dough for breadmaking.

Other Traditional Uses:

• Basket weaving.
• Bowmaking.
• Used in various crafts.
• Used to make canoes.
• Tanning hides using oak bark.
• Making salt from oak ashes for seasonings.

Medicinal Uses (Herbalism):

• Treating diarrhea, bleeding, and throat infections.
• Creams or salves for burns, wounds, and infections.
• Gargle for sore throat.
• Poultice or wash for eczema, wounds, and rashes.
• Sitz bath for hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

Ecological Importance:

• Supports a wide range of plant and animal species, including wildlife such as deer and wild turkey.
• Provides habitat for insects, especially moths and butterflies.
• Sequestering carbon.
• Water quality and aquatic habitat.

Culinary Uses:

• Acorn flour used in recipes like bread.
• Acorns roasted or boiled.
• Acorn coffee.
• Acorn brittle.

Medicinal Uses:

Food Source:

Liver Health:

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties:

Blood Sugar Regulation:

Skin Health:

Other Potential Benefits:

Culinary Applications:

Medicinal Uses:

• Treatment for diarrhea and dysentery.
• Raspberry leaf tea used as a diuretic and to calm nausea and vomiting.
• Bark tea used to treat dysentery and stomach aches.
• Roots used to treat stomach pains and bowel problems.
• Used as a wash for sores and wounds.
• Aids in childbirth and relieves painful menstrual cramps.
• Gargle to treat tonsillitis and mouth inflammations.
• Poultice and wash for sores, conjunctivitis, minor wounds, burns and varicose ulcers.
• Chewed roots used as a cough remedy.
• Raspberry tea used for relief of uterine contractions during childbirth.
• Raspberry leaf tea used to wash and clean old sores.
• Raspberry leaves used to make a tea to heal stomach and throat problems.

Food Source:

• Eaten fresh or made into jams, jellies, and desserts.
• Dried and pressed into cakes for winter consumption.
• Used in soups and meat dishes.
• Raspberry fruit used in various culinary applications like desserts, sauces, and smoothies.
• Young shoots can be peeled and eaten raw.
• Roots require cooking before eating.

Other Traditional Uses:

• Purple-blue dye obtained from the fruit.
• Leaves and roots used in herbal medicine.
• Stems can be used to produce fiber for paper making.

Culinary Applications:

• Fresh berries used in jams, jellies, desserts, and smoothies.
• Used as a topping for ice cream, in muffins, cakes, pies, and other baked goods.
• Raspberry leaves used in teas, salads, and infusions.
• Used in sauces, and as a flavoring agent.

Medicinal Properties:

• Astringent properties, useful for diarrhea and mouth/throat infections.
• Tones the uterus, aiding in labor and childbirth.
• Used to relieve painful menstrual cramps.
• Antioxidant properties, combating oxidative stress.
• May help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
• May support heart health.

Garden and Landscape:

• Ornamental plant.
• Supports local wildlife by providing food and habitat.
• Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Deep root systems help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.

Wildlife Support:

• Provides food and cover for birds, raccoons, coyotes, squirrels, skunks, and chipmunks.
• Thickets provide nesting habitat for rabbits, birds, and rodents.

Medicinal Uses:

• Historically used to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, indigestion, colds, wounds, snow blindness, bee stings, and athlete's foot.
• Preparations included boiling bark and roots, making teas from various parts, and applying poultices.

Food Source:

• Rose hips are a notable source of vitamin C and were consumed fresh, dried, or used in various dishes like jellies, teas, and puddings.
• Other edible parts include young shoots, leaves, and petals, used in teas or eaten raw.

Other Traditional Uses:

• Stems were used for basket weaving and arrows.
• Petals and hips were used for natural dyes.
• Inner bark was sometimes smoked.
• Dried petals were used for perfume.
• The rose flower held symbolic significance for the Shoshone tribe.

Culinary Applications:

• Rose hips are used today in jams, jellies, syrups, and teas.
• Rose hip powder can be used for flavoring, and petals are incorporated into salads, sweets, and teas.
• Various parts of the plant, including shoots, petals, and seeds (processed to remove hairs), can be eaten.

Medicinal Properties:

• Woods' Rose is recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• It may help with digestive issues, fevers, joint pain, and skin conditions.
• The plant is considered a nervine, potentially helping with stress, anxiety, and sleep issues.
• It has also been used for respiratory problems, immune support, and as a uterine tonic.

Garden and Landscape:

• Woods' Rose is used ornamentally and attracts pollinators.
• Its deep roots help with soil stabilization and erosion control.
• It provides habitat for wildlife and can form dense thickets.
• This plant is suitable for various garden types, including native and low-maintenance landscapes.

Other Modern Uses:

• Essential oils from the plant are used in aromatherapy for relaxation and mood enhancement.
• Rosehip oil is also used in cosmetic products.

Medicinal Uses:

• Root used for soap or shampoo.
• Some accounts mention legend of yucca shampoo strengthening hair and potentially preventing baldness.

Food Source:

• Flowers are sweet and edible.
• Fruits (from some species) were eaten raw, cooked, or mixed with other ingredients.
• Roasted or baked fruits were pounded into a pulp, formed into cakes, and dried for later use.
• Young flower stalks were eaten occasionally, or roasted or dried for winter.
• The soft core of flower stalks were steamed and eaten like asparagus.
• Base of the plant was roasted and eaten.
• Stems or trunks store carbohydrates and may be cooked or boiled and consumed.

Other Traditional Uses:

• Leaves used to make rope, baskets, and sandals.
• Twine made from yucca fiber twisted with turkey feathers or rabbit fur to make blankets.
• Chewed yucca leaf ends used as paintbrushes for decorating pottery.
• Sharp leaf ends used as needles for sewing.
• Dried stalks used as walking sticks.
• Yucca fiber used for cordage, weaving material, belts, nets, ladders, matting, and baskets.

Nutritional Benefits:

• High in vitamins C, B and A.
• Also high in calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron.
• Higher in fiber and potassium than a potato.

Medicinal Properties:

• Roots contain saponins, which, when properly prepared, may offer some medicinal benefits.
• Historically used for treating arthritis, colitis, hypertension and migraine headaches.
• Has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
• High amount of vitamin C and antioxidants boost the immune system and overall health.

Garden and Landscape:

• Ornamental plant.
• Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Provides food and habitat for wildlife.
• Deep roots help with soil stabilization and erosion control.
• Thrives in well-drained soils and requires minimal water.
• Ideal for xeriscaping or rock gardens.
• Enhances visual appeal with its unique foliage and striking appearance.
• Can be paired with various other plants to create diverse and visually appealing landscaping themes.

Other Modern Uses:

• Yucca root used as a soap or shampoo.
• Used to make an all-natural shampoo and soap which is delicate on the skin and contributes to healing rashes and minor scratches.
• Used in soaps, shampoos, and food supplements.
• Current commercial uses of yucca extracts include foaming agents in carbonated beverages, flavorings, and for use in drug synthesis research.

Medicinal Uses:

• Historically used for liver and gallbladder complaints.
• Promoted as remedial or alleviating in cases of consumptive tendencies.
• Considered a food that can help clear out the natural ducts of the body's fluids and secretions (liver and gallbladder).
• Diuretic properties.
• Alleviating nausea and helping with constipation.
• Treating jaundice, arteriosclerosis, and high blood pressure.
• Used for digestive ailments and as a treatment for heart palpitations.
• Antibilious, slightly aperient, deobstruent, and diuretic properties.
• Specific in the treatment of obstructions of the gall bladder and jaundice.

Food Source:

• Roots: Consumed as a vegetable, harvested in late fall or early spring for best flavor.
• Roots: Reportedly taste like oysters or artichoke.
• Young shoots: May be used like asparagus.
• Flowers: Can be eaten raw or cooked, used in salads or as garnish.
• Seeds: Edible, although their taste is unclear.
• Milky sap: Chewed like gum by Native Americans.

Other Traditional Uses:

• Fluffy pappus on fruits used to make "cotton" for stuffing pillows.

Culinary Applications:

• Roots: Can be roasted, sautéed, puréed, or fried.
• Used in soups, stews, salads, and as a side dish.
• Can be used in place of potatoes in dishes like gratin.
• Leaves: Young leaves can be eaten in salads.
• Flowers: Used as a garnish or in salads.
• Can be paired with ingredients like butter, cheese, and cream.

Nutritional Benefits:

• High in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Good source of vitamins A, C, and E, potassium, and iron.
• Low in calories.
• Contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber that supports healthy gut bacteria.
• Contains antioxidants, which may help reduce inflammation.
• May help manage blood pressure due to its potassium and calcium content.
• May help boost immunity due to its vitamin C content.

Garden and Landscape:

• Ornamental value: Striking yellow flowers in spring to early summer.
• Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Provides food and habitat for wildlife.
• Deep taproot improves soil health and aeration.
• Biennial growth cycle, making it manageable in a garden.
• Adaptable to various soil conditions.
• Relatively low-maintenance.

Wildlife Support:

• Provides food and cover for birds, deer, and other animals.
• Flowers offer nectar and pollen to bees.
• Seed heads provide structural habitat.