Near Shonto in Navajo County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Serviceberry

Amelanchier utahensis

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 24, 2016

1. Serviceberry Marker

Inscription. Serviceberry is one of the enduring "life medicines" of the Navajos, which insure their survival, health, and harmony. It is gathered to treat nausea, stomach problems, animal bites, and recovery from childbirth. It is also valued as a medicine in certain ceremonies (Evil Way and Holy Way). The bland fruits ripen earlier than other berries and were once commonly dried for winter food.

The Hopis crafted bows, arrows, and ceremonial prayer sticks, or "pahos," from the wood.

NAVAJO name:
tsé ‘ésgízuu "grows twisted on rock"

HOPI name:
tuwavi

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Native Americans • Science & Medicine.

Location. 36° 40.799′ N, 110° 32.477′ W. Marker is near Shonto, Arizona, in Navajo County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of State Highway 564 and County Route 221. Marker is located along the Aspen Forest Overlook Trail, about 1/4 mile north of the Navajo National Monument Visitor Center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Shonto AZ 86054, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Gambel Oak (a few steps from this marker); Douglas Fir (a few steps from this marker); Rabbit Brush (within shouting

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distance of this marker); A Relict Forest (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Indian Rice Grass (about 500 feet away); Big Sagebrush (about 500 feet away); Sandal Trail (about 500 feet away); Wagon (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Shonto.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Aspen Forest Overlook Trail, Navajo National Monument

Also see . . . Amelanchier utahensis (Wikipedia). In April and May the shrub blooms with white flowers, each with five widely spaced narrow petals. The fruits are pomes. The Utah serviceberry is browsed by desert bighorns, elk, and mule deer, as well as many birds and domesticated livestock. (Submitted on January 14, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Serviceberry Marker (<i>wide view</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 24, 2016

2. Serviceberry Marker (wide view)

Serviceberry (<i>Amelanchier utahensis</i>)<br>(<i>located along trail, beside the marker</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 24, 2016

3. Serviceberry (Amelanchier utahensis)
(located along trail, beside the marker)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 13, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 179 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 14, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.