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Historical Markers and War Memorials in Washington, District of Columbia

 
Clickable Map of Washington, District of Columbia and Immediately Adjacent Jurisdictions image/svg+xml 2019-10-06 U.S. Census Bureau, Abe.suleiman; Lokal_Profil; HMdb.org; J.J.Prats/dc:title> https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Usa_counties_large.svg Washington, DC (2450) Montgomery County, MD (714) Prince George s County, MD (620) Alexandria Ind. City, VA (355) Arlington County, VA (455) Fairfax County, VA (709)   (2450) Washington (2450)  MontgomeryCountyMaryland(714) Montgomery County (714)  PrinceGeorge'sCounty(620) Prince George's County (620)  AlexandriaVirginia(355) Alexandria (355)  ArlingtonCounty(455) Arlington County (455)  FairfaxCounty(709) Fairfax County (709)
Adjacent to Washington, District of Columbia
      Montgomery County, Maryland (714)  
      Prince George's County, Maryland (620)  
      Alexandria, Virginia (355)  
      Arlington County, Virginia (455)  
      Fairfax County, Virginia (709)  
 
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1District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Acanthus mollis — Artist's Acanthus
According to Dioscorides, the root was good for treating ruptures and convulsions. It was also used as a diuretic.Map (db m144670) HM
2District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Achillea millefolium — Yarrow
Yarrow was one of the first herbs brought to America by the colonists. Its leaves were used to stop the flow of blood on cuts and bruises and to deaden the pain.Map (db m144642) HM
3District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Acorus calamus — Sweet Flag
The Penobscot tribe of Maine believed this plant to have protective powers; they chewed a piece of the aromatic root to ward off disease when traveling or used steam from the root to prevent illness.Map (db m144624) HM
4District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Anethum graveolens — Dill
Although used to flavor food, dill was also eaten to help calm upset stomachs and indigestion, especially in children. Seeds were used in pickling and to flavor vinegar.Map (db m144643) HM
5District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Apocynum cannabinum — Indian Hemp
Native Americans used the stalk for fiber in the same way Europeans used their hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. Indian Hemp is superior, however, because it is stronger and lasts longer. This herb is poisonous.Map (db m144567) HM
6District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Artemisia abrotanum — Southernwood
Artemisia abrotanum hung in courtrooms was thought to stop the spread of disease. It was also used in kitchens to keep bad odors away. Pennsylvania Germans used southernwood in their pantries to repel ants.Map (db m145047) HM
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7District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Artemisia absinthium — Wormwood
This plant was spread across floors and put in between clothes in dressers to repel insects and moths. The plant was thought to prevent disease, as well as expel worms.Map (db m144556) HM
8District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Arum maculatum — Lords-and-Ladies
The juice, mixed with oil, stopped earaches and destroyed nasal polyps. It was also used to treat certain cancers and abortion. Drunk with wine, it was an aphrodisiac. The plant is injurious.Map (db m144661) HM
9District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Asarum canadense — Wild Ginger
The Chippewa used this herb to season food and chewed the root to relieve indigestion. The Iroquois used the roots to preserve meats.Map (db m144574) HM
10District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Asclepias tuberosa — Butterfly Weed
This plant was one of the most important medicines of the Menomini. The pulverized root was used for cuts and wounds, and was mixed with other roots for additional cures. This herb is potentially toxic if taken internally.Map (db m144617) HM
11District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Ballota nigra — Black Horehound
Dioscorides reported that the leaves were applied with salt to dog bites, with honey to clean ulcers, and that the ashes of the leaves repressed venereal warts.Map (db m144666) HM
12District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Baptistia tinctoria — Wild Indigo
The Cherokee used the leaves and woody stem to make a blue die. The Mohegan bathed their cuts and wounds with an infusion of the plant. This entire herb is toxic.Map (db m144568) HM
13District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Calendula officinalis — Pot Marigold
Brought to America by the first colonists, pot marigolds were used to flavor and color stews and cheeses. The Plymouth colony also used the flowers to dye cloth.Map (db m144640) HM
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14District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Calendula officinalis — Pot Marigold
The yellow dye from the fresh or dried petals was commonly used to color butter, cheeses and puddings. The petals were also used in ancient Rome as a substitute for the more expensive saffron in coloring soups, syrups and conserves.Map (db m144648) HM
15District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Calycanthus floridus — Carolina Allspice
The Cherokee used the root of this herb to make a strong diuretic for urinary and bladder complaints. The seeds of this plant are poisonous.Map (db m144619) HM
16District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Camptotheca acuminata — Camptotheca, Chinese Happy Tree
Known as the "cancer tree", Camptotheca contains the alkaloid camptothecin that is used to treat ovarian, colorectal, and small-cell lung cancers. It has been used in China for hundreds of years to treat psoriasis and diseases of various internal . . . Map (db m144682) HM
17District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Ceanothus americanus — New Jersey Tea
The Menomini believed the tea made from the roots to be a cure-all for stomach troubles.Map (db m144607) HM
18District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Cephalanthus occidentalis — Buttonbush
The Louisiana Choctaws chewed the bitter bark of this shrub to relieve toothaches. They also drank a strong decoction (extract) of it to treat diarrhea. The leaves have poisoned grazing animals.Map (db m144625) HM
19District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Chichorium intybus — chicory
During the U.S. Civil War, Confederate soldiers used roasted, ground chicory root as a substitute for coffee, which was scarce during the conflict. Still popular in the southern states, chicory is either mixed with true coffee or prepared by itself. . . . Map (db m144436) HM
20District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Citrus Χ bergamia — bergamot
Bergamot's rind releases a highly fragrant essential oil that was used in perfumery as early as the 18 century in Cologne, Germany, where it was a key component of the original Eau de Cologne. It also lends its distinctive scent to . . . Map (db m207111) HM
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21District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Cladrastis kentukea — yellowwood
The Cherokee used the wood of this tree for building and carving. Early settlers in the southern Appalachians used the root bark for dye and the yellow heartwood for gunstocks. Today, yellowwood is popular in urban settings for its resistance to . . . Map (db m144694) HM
22District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Comptonia peregrina — Sweet Fern
The leaves of this herb were thrown on fires by the Potawatomi of Michigan to create a smudge to deter mosquitos. The Ojibwe used the leaves for a tea to cure stomach cramps.Map (db m144611) HM
23District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Corylus americana — Hazelnut
This shrub produces a sweet, edible nut. The Cherokee drank a tea made from the bark for hives.Map (db m144570) HM
24District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Crocus sativus — Saffront Crocus
The stigmas are used in yellow food coloring and flavoring. Chemical analysis of ancient linens and mummies' winding sheets confirms its use as a dye. Today, it is used more as a spice and in cosmetics than as a textile dye.Map (db m144652) HM
25District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Cunila origanoides — American Dittany
Native peoples of eastern North America drank a tea of this plant to produce sweating when treating fever and colds.Map (db m144616) HM
26District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Dahlia sp. — Dahlia
The flower petals contain a very strong dye, which on wool yields colors ranging from yellow and bronze to red, depending on the mordant and length of time simmered. Wild mountain dahlias were a source of red dye used by the Aztecs.Map (db m207114) HM
27District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Daucus carota spp. carota — Queen Anne’s Lace
Dioscorides noted that a drink of the seeds was a diuretic, a colic neutralizer, and brought on menses and abortion. The seeds or roots, prepared in wine, were effective in treating wounds from poisonous beasts.Map (db m144674) HM
28District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Dianthus caryophyllus — Clove Pink
The flowers have a sweet, clove-like scent and were used by Greeks and Romans in the making of coronets and garlands. In medieval Arabia, they were used in perfumes. An absolute, a refined form of the essential oil, is used in top-quality perfumes . . . Map (db m144689) HM
29District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Dianthus plumarius — Cottage Pink
This plant has the same sweet, spicy scent as Dianthus caryophyllus. It has been popular since Renaissance times in nosegays and as an edging plant to scent the garden.Map (db m144687) HM
30District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — 82218-H — Dioscorea villosa — wild yam
Wild yam contains diosgenin, a chemical compound that can be converted in a lab (but not in the human body) to progesterone. This discovery paved the way for the invention of the modern oral contraceptive pill. Today, wild yam is used to calm . . . Map (db m144627) HM
31District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Echinacea purpurea — Purple Coneflower
The Plains Indians considered this herb to be one of the most important medicinal plants. Its root was the universal antidote for snakebites and all kinds of venomous bites and stings.Map (db m144605) HM
32District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Echium vulgare — Viper's Bugloss
The leaves, root, and seeds were drunk in wine for the prevention or cure of snakebite. The entire plant is poisonous.Map (db m144673) HM
33District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Erianthus ravennae — Ravenna Grass
Dioscorides reported that Erianthus had much pith and was fit for making books.Map (db m144664) HM
34District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Eryngium planum — Eryngo
In Dioscordes' time the young leaves of this prickly plant were pickled in brine and eaten as a pot herb. A drink of 'Eryngum' root diluted in honey liquor was said to cure epilepsy.Map (db m144654) HM
35District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Euonymus atropurpureus — Burning Bush
The Meskwaki used the fresh outer bark, pounded into a poultice (compress), to heal facial sores. They steeped the inner bark to make an eye lotion.Map (db m144577) HM
36District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Eupatorium purpureum — Joe-Pye Weed
The Menomini used a decoction, or extract, of the root to treat the genitourinary tract. The Potowatomi made a poultice of fresh leaves to treat burns, and the Ojibwe bathed babies in a solution of the root to strengthen them.Map (db m144569) HM
37District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Eupatorium purpureum — Boneset
The northern Iroquois used the leave to make a tea that was considered a tonic and cure for colds and fevers This herb may damage the liver.Map (db m144612) HM
38District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Galium mollugo — White Bedstraw
The roots produce reds similar to madder (Rubia tinctorum), although they are thin and yield less pigment than the thicker madder roots. The seeds of this plant were imported from France by Thomas Jefferson.Map (db m144649) HM
39District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Genista tinctoria — Dyer's Greenwood
The colonists used this plant to obtain a yellow-green dye from its flowers. The leaves, seeds and flowering plant were also used medically as a diuretic and purgative.Map (db m144557) HM
40District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Geranium maculatum — Wild Geranium
The Meskwaki of Minnesota pounded the astringent root of this geranium in an animal bladder to make a poultice for hemorrhoids.Map (db m144596) HM
41District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Geum urbanum — Avens, Colewort
This herb was taken medicinally by colonists to strengthen the stomach and to comfort the heart. Dried roots were used for diarrhea and as an appetite stimulant.Map (db m207119) HM
42District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Gillenia trifoliata — Indian Physic
The root furnished an effective purge of the bowels and an emetic to induce vomiting.Map (db m144626) HM
43District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Gladiolus communis — Sword Lily
The upper root drunk with wine provoked lust, Dioscorides said, and the lower root took away lust. Mashed with frankincense and wine, it was used to draw out splinters.Map (db m207112) HM
44District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Hedera helix — English Ivy
An infusion of the flowers in wine was drunk for dysentery, and the leaves mixed with fat were used as a burn ointment. Dioscorides believed that drinking the juice caused sterility. The leaves and berries are poisonous.Map (db m144669) HM
45District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Helenium flexuosum — Sneezeweed
According to Cherokee belief, the roots of sneezeweed and Veronica noveboracensis steeped in warm water acted as a contraceptive by preventing menstruation for two years.Map (db m144614) HM
46District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Helleborus niger — Christmas Rose
Helleborus was once used to stimulate the heart, expel worms, and promote menstrual flow. It contains cardioglycosides, which help the heart to beat regularly and strongly. Currently regarded as too strong to use safely.Map (db m144683) HM
47District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Heuchera americana — Rock Geranium
The root, a powerful astringent, was used by Choctaw, Chickasaw and Creek of the Southeast when conditions required an astringent or "puckering" medicine.Map (db m144613) HM
48District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Hydrastis canadensis — Goldenseal
Native American medicinal uses of the root included treatment of the eyes and skin and for cancers and venereal diseases. The yellow root provided dye. This plant should be avoided during pregnancy.Map (db m144572) HM
49District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Hydrastis canadensis — Goldenseal
Historic use for stomach ailments and inflamed eyes has been confirmed. Its antibiotic property makes it useful for vaginal infections. Its antibacterial property may help fight drug-resistant tuberculosis.Map (db m144681) HM
50District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Ilex vomitoria — Yaupon
Yaupon was a common drink of the Southeastern tribes, taken mainly for its emeting (vomit-inducing) action, which was a means of purification. The fruit is poisonous.Map (db m144604) HM
51District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Indogofera tinctoria — Indigo
Fragments of indigo-dyed linen from Thebes date back to 3500 B.C. Indigo is just one type of dye in which the color develops in the textile after removal from the dye bath. Upon exposure to the air, fibers change from yellow to blue.Map (db m144645) HM
52District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Iris Χ germanica 'Florentina' — Iris
Dioscorides said that the root was fit for use against chill, chest congestion, and coughs. A poultice made with orris and roses in vinegar was said to be good for headaches. The rootstock is toxic.Map (db m144656) HM
53District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Lavandula angustifolia — Lavender
The scent of lavender was much loved, and the flowers were dried and used in linens, in wash water, soaps, oils and powdered. The fragrance warded off evil smells of poor drainage and lack of sanitation.Map (db m144679) HM
54District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Lawsonia inermis — Henna
The famous red dye was used as body paint and to stain hair. The leaves are deodorizers, carried under the arm by Nubians, and recommended in Alpina's medieval herbals to treat "evil-smelling feet."Map (db m207116) HM
55District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Leucanthemum vulgare — Oxeye Daisy
A cherished flower of New England women homesick for England, it was recommended that the whole herb, including the flowers, could be taken to treat wounds, ruptures and gout.Map (db m207118) HM
56District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Lindera benzoin — Spicebush
The spicy red fruit added flavor to groundhog or opossum as prepared by the Cherokee. The ground nuts also flavored bread.Map (db m144565) HM
57District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Lobelia inflata — Indian Tobacco
The common name for this plant comes from its purported use as a Native American smoke. It was used by the Seneca as an emetic (vomit-inducer) and for coughs. The whole plant is poisonous.Map (db m144621) HM
58District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Lychnis coronaria — Rose Campion
According to Dioscorides, the seeds drunk with wine helped those who had been bitten by a scorpion.Map (db m144672) HM
59District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — 53002-H — Magnolia virginiana — sweetbay magnolia
American Indians used the leaves of this small tree to make a medicinal tea for the treatment of chills, colds, and other ailments. Early American physicians used it as a quinine substitute as well as to treat gout, rheumatism, and respiratory . . . Map (db m144692) HM
60District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Malus 'Roxbury' — Apple
Apples were very important to the colonists. They provided a source of fruit for eating, apple butter and cider. Before cold storage, the Roxbury variety was a favorite late winter apple.Map (db m144440) HM
61District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Malva sylvestris — Mallow
The ointment, applied with urine, cured running sores on the head, dandruff, and baldness. A broth of leaves and roots helped all poisoning, but Dioscorides advised that the drink must be continually vomited up.Map (db m207122) HM
62District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Matthiola incana — Stock
These flowers have spicy scent similar to Dianthus, and the fragrance grows stronger at night. They are used in bouquets and potpourri, and the scent was used in early Arab and Greek perfumes.Map (db m144691) HM
63District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Mentha spicata — Spearmint
Although most commonly used by the colonists to flavor food and drink, mint was also used to whiten teeth, prevent milk from curdling and to strew on floors to repel bad smells and insects.Map (db m144639) HM
64District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Mertensia virginica — Virginia Bluebells
The Cherokee used this plant for whooping cough and consumption.Map (db m144608) HM
65District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Mitchella repens — Partridge-berry
The St. Lawrence Montagnai considered the cooked berries a fever medicine. The dried leaves were added to Chippewa smoking mixtures.Map (db m144622) HM
66District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Myrica pensylvanica — Bayberry
The leaves are used for making a gray-green or yellow dye, depending on the mordant used. This was one of the dye plants used by early American colonists. The wax is considered toxic.Map (db m207121) HM
67District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Origanum vulgare — Oregano
This versatile herb was used by colonists to alleviate toothaches, flavor food and strew on floors, as well as flavor ale. The flowering tops were used to produce a reddish brown dye.Map (db m144633) HM
68District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Origanum vulgare — Wild Marjoram
The leaves are steam distilled to produce an oil that has a spicy, aromatic scent. The early Greeks, Egyptians, and Arabs all used it in their perfumes. Today, it appears in many perfumes and soaps, especially men's fragrances. The leaves and . . . Map (db m144686) HM
69District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum — Greek Oregano
Dioscorides reported that above-ground parts, taken with wine, were good for those who had drunk the juice of the poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) or the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum).Map (db m144663) HM
70District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Osmorhiza calytonii — Sweet Cicely
Sweet Cicely roots taste and smell like anise. Oil from the roots contains sugar, fats, resins and tannin. Chippewa Indians women drank the tea of the roots to aid in childbirth.Map (db m144601) HM
71District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Osmunda cinnamomea — Cinnamon Fern
In the spring, the Menomini limited their diet to the young coiled fern tips (croziers) so that their bodies had the scent of the fern. This allowed them to get close to deer to hunt them.Map (db m144566) HM
72District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Phlomis fruticosa — Jerusalem Sage
The leaves soaked in water were laid upon swollen, inflamed eyes. Dioscorides also noted that just a knucklebone's length of the root, given with wine, could bind excessive intestinal discharges.Map (db m144668) HM
73District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Phytolacca americana — Poke
The Pamunkey of Virginia treated rheumatism with boiled poke berries. Several tribes used berry pigments as a dye. All parts of the plant are poisonous.Map (db m144571) HM
74District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Phytolacca americana — Poke
Native Americans made use of poke berries as a body paint. Later the Colonists found it an inexpensive source of red dye for woolens. Young leaves yield brilliant yellows on wool. Caution: poisonousMap (db m144660) HM
75District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Polemonium reptans — Jacob's Ladder
The roots were used by the Meskwaki Indians of Wisconsin to induce vomiting. They called the plant 'fine hair woman medicine'.Map (db m144623) HM
76District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Polygonatum biflorum — Small Solomon's Seal
This plant was called the "reviver" by the Menomini and Fox because inhaling the smoke of the heated root revived unconscious patients.Map (db m144578) HM
77District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Rosa virginiana — Pasture Rose
North-central Native Americans made a medicine with the rose hip skin for stomach troubles.Map (db m144603) HM
78District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Rosmarinus officinalis — Rosemary
Rosemary has an ancient history in the Mediterranean as an incense and perfume. It was the main ingredient in Hungary Water, one of the earliest European perfumes created for the Queen of Hungary in A.D. 1370. The scent became popular throughout . . . Map (db m144437) HM
79District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Rosmarinus officinalis — Rosemary
Rosemary was a favorite herb for cooking and strewing. As a symbol of remembrance and fidelity, it was added to wedding cakes and puddings, as well as tossed into coffins at funerals.Map (db m144636) HM
80District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Rosmarinus officinalis — rosemary
Rosemary contains several volatile oils, tannins, bittering compounds, and resins, which are thought to contribute to the increased potency and extended preservation of beers brewed with it. It has been used medicinally for centuries to improve . . . Map (db m144695) HM
81District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Rubia tinctorum — Madder
Having been used since at least 2000 B.C., the reddish orange roots contain several dye substances. It was used to dye the British redcoats and was best known as the source of Turkey red on linen and cotton textiles.Map (db m144650) HM
82District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Ruscus aculeatus — Butcher's Broom
According to Dioscorides, leaves and berries were drunk in wine to encourage menstruation, to break up bladder stones, and to cure jaundice and headache. This mixture could also be used as a diuretic.Map (db m144657) HM
83District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Salvia lyrata — Lyre-leaved Sage
The roots of this sage were used by Native Americans to make a salve for sores.Map (db m144620) HM
84District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Salvia sclarea — Clary Sage
Clary wine was considered an aphrodisiac in the sixteenth century. The bitter aromatic leaves flavor wine, ale, beer and liqueurs.Map (db m144693) HM
85District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Sanguinaria canadensis — Bloodroot
The root has an orange-red dye that was used to paint the Meskwaki Indian warriors and to dye Rush mats made by the women. Narragansett Indians used the root as a cosmetic.Map (db m207120) HM
86District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Satureja douglasii — Yerba Buena
The Cahuilla of southern California believed a tea made from this plant to be an effective remedy for reducing fevers and curing colds.Map (db m144618) HM
87District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Satureja montana — Winter Savory
Colonists brought winter savory over to the new world to flavor dishes, stuffings to meat, fish and sausages. Leaves were taken to stimulate the appetite and to aid in digestion.Map (db m144634) HM
88District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Smilacina racemosa — Plumelily
Smoke from the burning root was used by the Meskwaki to revive unconscious patients, to hush a crying child, and to cast spells.Map (db m144573) HM
89District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Solidago canadensis — Canada Goldenrod
The Potowami called it "yellow top" and made a tea of the flowers to treat fevers.Map (db m144615) HM
90District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Solidago canadensis — Canada Goldenrod
The leaves and stems have long been an excellent source of a yellow dye that has been popular with dyers since Colonial days. The Navajo Indians used it as a textile dye. Colors produced range from yellows to greens.Map (db m207117) HM
91District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Symphytum officinale — Comfrey
A lotion or mixture of the fresh or dried leaves or roots was used for bruises, wounds and sores.Map (db m144676) HM
92District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Symphytum officinale — Comfrey
Used for thousands of years to treat bruises and sprains, the plant contains compounds, such as allantoin, that promote healing and other substances that are anti-inflammatory. There is controversy concerning its safety, especially for internal use, . . . Map (db m144680) HM
93District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Tagetes sp. — Marigold
Marigolds are thought to have been taken to Europe from the New World by Cortez. The flowers contain the same dye substances as onion skins. A variety of colors are imparted to wool depending on the mordant.Map (db m207115) HM
94District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Tanacetum balsamita — Costmary
This plant was used by the colonists in a favorite spring tonic known as "Sweet Mary tea." It was also widely used throughout eastern Massachusetts in nosegays or as bookmarkers to enjoy during long sermons.Map (db m144637) HM
95District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Tanacetum vulgare — Tansy
Tansy tea was taken to calm cramps, but colonists also used tansy leaves as an insect repellant in their homes. Leaves were also rubbed on fresh meats to keep flies off.Map (db m144559) HM
96District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Teucrium chamaedrys — Wall Germander
Dioscorides reported that a beverage of the fruiting plant was drunk for convulsions and coughs. It was taken with wine by those who were bitten by poisonous beasts.Map (db m144675) HM
97District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Trillium grandiflorum — Large Flowered Trillium
A decoction of the root was used for female diseases and to bring on childbirth by some tribes; others used it to treat headaches and rheumatism.Map (db m144606) HM
98District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Vaccinium corymbosum — Highbush Bluberry
The Chippewa made pemmican (high-energy food) by adding dried blueberries to moose fat and deer tallow. Native Americans also made a tea of blueberry roots to treat diarrhea and to ease childbirth.Map (db m144610) HM
99District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Valeriana officinalis — Valerian
Tradition says the Pied Piper carried valerian root in his back pocket to help lure the rats out of Hamelin. The root has an offensive scent similar to Limburger cheese, but is also musky and balsamic and is used in perfumery in India and the Far . . . Map (db m144690) HM
100District of Columbia, Washington, Northeast Washington, Arboretum — Verbascum thapsus — Mullein
It contains the yellow dye substance luteolin and produces a range of olives and grays on wool. The flowers were used by Roman women as a hair colorant, and ashes of the burned plant were used to restore graying hair.Map (db m207113) HM

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Mar. 24, 2023