Ketchikan in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska — Northwest (North America)
Valuable Plants
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 2, 2026
1. Valuable Plants Marker
Along with other cultures, Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian have long used rainforest plants for food and medicine. This wildflower garden contains many of them. The Native people have spiritual ties to these plants and great knowledge of their uses.
Forest Fare
The forest contains many edible plants, but the flowers, leaves, stems or roots of some are poisonous. Southeast Alaska Natives learned the value of these plants long ago. For thousands of years they have orally and through demonstration passed this knowledge between generations.
Medicinal Uses
Local Natives know the healing properties of plants and promoted health care by using them for skin ointments, medicinal teas and inhalants. Young apprentices must learn about plant properties, collecting techniques, storing and proper preparation. Respect is given to the plant’s spirit during harvesting by thanking the plant for giving itself to enrich human lives. Clan leaders determined when and how much to harvest. A continuous supply of plants ensured community survival.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities •
this page online
Location. 55° 25.258′ N, 131° 46.267′ W. Marker is in Ketchikan, Alaska, in Ketchikan Gateway Borough. It is on Totem Bight Road, on the right when traveling south. Marker is near the entrance to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9883 North Tongass Highway, Ketchikan AK 99901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Alaska, in Tlingit and Haida & Tsimshian Region. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, in the Inside Passage, on the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Russian Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Trees of Monumental Value (within shouting distance of this marker); Clan House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Transforming Trees (about 500 feet away); Original Artists (about 500 feet away); A Look Into the Clan House (about 500
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 2, 2026
2. Valuable Plants Marker
The wildflower garden can be seen to the right of the marker.
More about this marker. A picture on the marker shows a Native female and children gathering plants.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 14, 2026, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 14, 2026, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
