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Identify a Species:
Identify a Plant:
Desert Plant; Growing in Dry, Arid Climate NOT next to water:
Agave OR Yucca; long, lance-shaped leaves OR spines growing in a rosette pattern, often with one tall central stalk growing upright from center
“Agave” OR “Century Plant”: broad, succulent, sword-shaped, greenish-blue, serrated leaves arranged in a rosette pattern (circle-shape emerging from a central point). Sometimes has a long caudex (stalk) growing upright from the center.: {Agave americana}
Southwest High Desert Yucca: [1-3 ft. long, very-sharply pointed “leaves” facing many directions from a single point. Sometimes a long, central stalk grows upright from the center.]: {Hesperoyucca whipplei}:
Cactus; fleshy body with spines OR needles instead of leaves:
Sage Mint {Salvia}; square-shaped stem, pleasant aromatic smell
Golden Chia {Salvia columbaria}; purple flowers, wonderful smell
Succulent; fleshy, water-bearing stems &/or leaves w/ “points”, but NO spines
Pokeweed; {Phytolacca americana}
Dryland Meadow Dweller; growing in open sun, NOT necessarily a desert
Rosette; SOMETIMES has a prominent single, (primarily) unbranched central stem or stalk:
Dandelion {Taraxacum sp.}
Common Dandilion: {Taraxacum officinale}
Red-Seeded Dandilion: {Taraxacum erythrospermum}
Mullein {Verbascum sp.}; Broad, Fuzzy, Pale Green Leaves
with single, branching stem arising from center:
Yellow-Flowered Pipestem
Grain-Producing Plant; grains growing on top:
Amaranth {Amaranthus retroflexus}
Yellow/Curly Dock: {Rumex sp.}
Wetland Plant; submerged in fresh water OR heavily saturated soil:
Spotted Water Hemlock {Cicuta maculata}
Wild Celery {Apium graveolens}
Reed {Poales}; tall, grass-like plant with smooth leaves (“foamy” when squeezed)
California Bulrush {Schoenoplectus californicus}; cylindrical leaves
Cattails – flat, upright, smooth leaves arising from wetlands or moist soil, brown “spike” on top
“Watercress”: {Nasturtium officinale}
Woodland Dweller; growing in shaded forest OR next to water:
4-Directions Plant; leaves pointing in *4 Directions* lined all the way up a single central stem or stalk:
“Stinging Nettle” aka “Itchweed” {Urtica sp}
Fern; large, feather-shaped, divided leaves called “fronds” arising from the ground:
Bracken Fern {Pteridium aquilinum}
Horsetail; green, segmented stems w/ NO leaves {Equisetum}
Rosette; leaves growing in a circle-shape & arising from a central point:
No Stalk or Stem:
Soaproot – thumb-width, wavy, lanceolate leaves w/ parallel veins & smooth leaf edges
Identify a Shrub:
has NO thorns:
Manzanita {Arctostaphylos sp.}; smooth, red to orange branches- dry, red berries
Sagebrush {Artemisia tridentata}; small, powdery-white green leaves, wonderful aromatic smell
Willow {Salix sp.}; growing by water, lance-like leaves
Ephedra {Ephedra sp.}; green, segmented stems w/ NO leaves
has thorns:
Blackberry {Rubus ursinus}
California Wild Rose: {Rosa californica}:
Red Raspberry {Rubus sp.}
Identify a Tree:
Hardwood aka “Broad-Leafed Tree” {Angiosperm}; all NON-Conifers:
Deciduous; leaves fall off in winter:
Simple Leaves; one leaf attaches to the petiole (the green, non-woody “stem” that attaches to the tree’s woody branch)
Oak – bears acorns, grows in open spaces & on hilltops {Quercus sp.}
Associated Mushrooms:
on decaying Oak; completely black & smooth: {Bulgaria inquinans}
Palmate Leaves – i.e. Maple {Acer sp.} or Sycamore {Platanus sp.}:
Maple {Acer sp.}; has “classic” helicopter seed pods
Red Maple {Acer rubrum} NO DATA YET
Sycamore {Platanus sp.}; has globe-shaped {globose} seed pods
California Sycamore {Platanus racemosa}; White, Mottled Bark & Leaves Look Like Five-Pointed Maple Leaves
Spade-Shaped Leaves:
Serrated (toothed) OR Somewhat-Serrated Leaf Edges:
Cottonwood {Populus sp.}
Mulberry {Morus sp.}; broad, serrated, spade-shaped leaves- sometimes ornately lobed on one or both sides
Arrowhead-Shaped Leaves:
Smooth Edges
Lance-Shaped Leaves:
Compound Leaves – several “leaflets” attached to one petiole
*New Branches Sprout Directly Opposite Each Other* Along Larger Branches they Sprout from::
Boxelder {Acer negundo}; Compound Leaves of 3 that Collectively Look like a Maple Leaf, “Helicoptor Seed Pods” like Maple too
Pinnate; “Feather-Shaped” Leaves- leaflets alternating along the stem opposite each other:
Honey Locust: [clusters of thorns along the trunk; bright yellow flowers]: {Gleditsia triacanthos} NO DATA YET
White Willow {Salix alba}
Palmate; 3, 5, or 7 leaflets split into a “hand-shape” from 1 non-woody stem attached to the branch:
California Buckeye: {Aescules californica}
Evergreen; leaves stay on year round- i.e.: Eucalyptus, Bay Laurel, Palm
California Bay Laurel {Umbellularia californica}; lance-shaped leaves, round nuts with coffee-colored shells the size of marbles
Eucalyptus: {Eucalyptus globules}
Pacific Madrone {Arbutus menziesii}; Reddish or Orange Wood (twigs, trunk, etc.), bright red berries
Palm {Arecaceae Family}
Conifers – needle-like or scaly leaves:
Pine {Pinus sp.}; cylindrical needles growing in clusters
Hickory Pine {Pinus pungens} NO DATA YET
Lodgepole Pine {Pinus contorta} NO DATA YET
Longleaf Pine {Pinus palustris} NO DATA YET
Needles in Clusters of 3:
California Coulter {Pinus coulteri} NO DATA YET
Loblolly Pine {Pinus taeda}; yellow-green needles 6 to 9 inches long (USUALLY 3 per cluster) NO DATA YET
Pitch Pine {Pinus rigida} NO DATA YET
Pond Pine {Pinus serotina} NO DATA YET
Red Pine {Pinus resinosa} NO DATA YET
Sand Pine {Pinus clausa} NO DATA YET
Shortleaf Pine {Pinus echinata} NO DATA YET
Slash Pine {Pinus elliottii} NO DATA YET
Spruce Pine {Pinus glabra} NO DATA YET
Sugar Pine {Pinus lambertiana} NO DATA YET
Virginia Pine {Pinus virginiana} NO DATA YET
Washoe Pine {Pinus washoensis} NO DATA YET
White Bark Pine {Pinus albicaulis} NO DATA YET
Grey Pine: clusters of 3, distinctively pale gray-green, drooping needles; pinecones ~ 1 foot long & spiked: {Pinus sabiniana}
Edible: Cambium Layer (inner bark), Nuts, Pollen
Ponderosa Pine: tuft-shaped clusters of 2-4, & sometimes 5; bark is cinnamon-red w/ black crevasses: {Pinus ponderosa}:
Clusters of 5: NO DATA YET
Eastern White Pine {Pinus strobus}; needles 3 – 5 inches long- slender, flexible, & appear blue-green NO DATA YET
Foxtail Pine {Pinus balfouriana & austrina}
Larch {Larix sp.}; looses its needles during winter- 20-50 very thin needles per cluster
Cypress; scaled leaves:
Cedar {Cedrus sp.}; flattened needles & reddish bark
Juniper {Juniperus}; leaves arranged foliage-like surrounding the stems, rather than flattened; small blue or purple berries
Flattened needles (Fir, Hemlock, or Yew)
Fir {Ables sp.}; needles attached to branch by small attachments that look like suction cups
Hemlock {Tsuga sp.}; branches arranged in flattened sprays that are horizontal to the ground & bend downward @ the tips
Yew {Taxus sp.}; short, sword-shaped, dark-green leaves in two flat rows twisted around either side of the stem; reddish bark
Spruce {Picea sp.} – triangular OR square-shaped needles growing individually from the woody branches
Identify a Mushroom:
Growing on a Live Tree:
Hardwood (Non-Conifer):
Has a Stipe (stem); With Gills:
Has an Annulus (ring around stipe); Cap appears Dry NO DATA YET
Has an Annulus; Cap appears Slimy NO DATA YET
NO Annulus; Cap appears Slimy NO DATA YET
NO Annulus; Cap appears Dry NO DATA YET
Has a Stipe; With Pores:
Has an Annulus (ring around stipe); Cap appears Dry NO DATA YET
Has an Annulus; Cap appears Slimy
NO Annulus; Cap appears Dry NO DATA YET
NO Annulus; Cap appears Slimy NO DATA YET
Has No Stipe; Shelf Mushroom:
Has Gills:
Has Pores {Polypore}:
No Stipe; Gelatinous but NOT Spherical:
No Stipe; Spherical: {Globular}:
hard, woody, brown to black clusters: {Annulohypoxylon thouarsianum}
Softwood (Conifer):
Has a Stipe (stem); With Gills:
Has an Annulus (ring around stipe); Cap appears Dry:
Has an Annulus; Cap Appears Slimy:
No Annulus; Cap appears Dry:
No Annulus; Cap Appears Slimy:
Has a Stipe; With Pores:
Has an Annulus (ring around stipe); Cap Appears Dry:
Has an Annulus; Cap Appears Slimy:
No Annulus; Cap Appears Dry:
No Annulus; Cap Appears Slimy:
No Stipe; Shelf Mushroom:
Has Pores {Polypore}:
Has Gills:
No Stipe; Gelatinous but NOT Spherical:
No Stipe; Spherical {Globular}:
On Ground Below or Near a Live Tree:
Under a Hardwood (non-Conifer):
Has a Stipe (stem): With Gills:
Has an Annulus (ring around stipe); Cap appears Slimy:
Has an Annulus; Cap appears Dry: NO DATA YET
No Annulus; Cap appears Dry NO DATA YET
No Annulus; Cap appears Slimy NO DATA YET
Has a Stipe; With Pores:
Has an Annulus (ring around stipe); Cap appears Slimy:
Has an Annulus; Cap Appears Slimy:
No Annulus; Cap appears Dry NO DATA YET
No Annulus; Cap appears Slimy NO DATA YET
Puffball OR Puffball-like NO DATA YET
Softwood (Conifer):
Has a Stipe (stem); With Gills:
Has an Annulus (ring around stipe); Cap Appears Slimy:
Has an Annulus; Cap appears Dry:
bright red cap with oatmeal-like white flecks on top: “Fly Agaric”: {Amanita muscaria}
No Annulus; Cap appears Dry:
has a hump in middle of cream-coloured, fibrous cap; stipe also fibrous: {Inocybe sororia}
No Annulus; Cap appears Slimy:
Has a Stipe: With Pores:
Has an Annulus (ring around stipe); Cap Appears Dry:
Has an Annulus; Cap Appears Slimy:
No Annulus; Cap Appears Dry:
No Annulus; Cap Appears Slimy:
Puffball or Puffball-like:
Puffball or Puffball-like:
Pear-Shaped Puffball {Lycoperdon pyriforme}; has a stipe: NO gills/pores: dark olive-brown
tiny spines on cap that rub off & leave scars when older; “Common or Warted Puffball”: {Lycoperdon perlatum}
on dead or decaying wood {Saprophyte, Saprophytic}
has a stipe (stem): with gills:
Has an Annulus (ring around stipe); Cap appears Slimy: NO DATA YET
Has an Annulus; Cap appears Dry NO DATA YET
No Annulus; Cap appears Dry:
Wavy Caps {Psilocybe cyananescens}; caramel-coloured, wavy caps, stains blue when touched
no annulus; cap appears slimy:
Has a Stipe: with Pores:
Has an Annulus (ring around stipe); Cap Appears Slimy:
Has an Annulus; Cap appears Dry: NO DATA YET
No Annulus; Cap appears Dry: NO DATA YET
No Annulus; Cap appears Slimy: NO DATA YET
NO Stipe; Shelf Mushroom:
Has Gills: NO DATA YET
Has Pores {Polypore}:
Turkey Tail {Coriolus, Trametes, OR Polyporus versicolor}; numerous narrow, multicoloured zones of brown, gray, yellow, red, blue, gray, &/or black along outer perimeter
Cup Fungi {Pezizaceae}; cup-shaped, opening, flattening, & becoming darker @ maturity
Palomino Cup {Peziza repanda}; white/cream color- becoming flat, brown, & wrinkly on top @ maturity. white & fuzzy underside: brittle
None of the Above; Gelatinous:
Golden Ear {Tremella aurantia}; basidia which are stalked instead of sessile & parasitizes the mycelium of {Stereum hirsutum} instead of {Peniophora} unlike “Witch’s Butter”
on Oak: completely black & smooth: {Bulgaria inquinans}
Smaller Than a Fingernail; Ignore Everything Above
Eyelash Cup {Scutellinia scutellata}; bright red semi-translucent caps w/ distinct long, dark hairs (“eyelashes”) lining the rim atop very thin yellowish stipe
Yellow Cone Fungus {Calocera cornea}; small, yellow, cone-shaped, & gelatinous
Mini Stag Horns {Xylaria hypoxylon}; thin, elongated black tendrils w/ whitened tips
In a Meadow:
Has a Stipe (stem): With Gills:
Has an Annulus (ring around stipe); Cap Appears Slimy:
Has an Annulus; Cap appears Dry: NO DATA YET
No Annulus; Cap appears Dry:
NO Annulus; Cap appears Dry: NO DATA YET
Has a Stipe; With Pores:
Has an Annulus (ring around stipe); Cap Appears Slimy:
No Annulus (ring around stipe); Cap Appears Slimy:
No Annulus; Cap Appears Dry:
In Dung:
on another mushroom:
On a Bolete
Bolete Eater {Hypomyces chrysospermus}; turns the Bolete whitish, golden yellow, or tan
Unsorted mushrooms:
“Artist’s Conk”: HAS A DOUBLE-WALLED BASIDIOSPORE. A.K.A. “SHELF MUSHROOM”, BRACKET FUNGI; {Ganoderma brownii}
“Brown Roll-Rim”, “Common Roll-Rim”, “Poison Pax” {Paxillus involutus}
“Earthballs”: {Scleroderma sp.}
“Mulch Fieldcap” {Agrocybe putaminum}
“Red-Banded Polypore”: {Fomitopsis pinicola}
{Clathus ruber}
{Cryptoporus volvatus}
{Fomitopsis cajanderi}
{Geastrum fimbriatum}
{Gomphidius oregonsis}
{Hericium erinaceus}
{Hericium ramosum}
{Heterobasidion annosum}
{Laetiporus conifericola}
{Lenzites betulina}
{Leratiomyces ceres}
{Phaeolus schweinitzii}
{Phellinus}
{Pholiota terrestris}
{Psathyrella piluliformis}
{Rhizopogon occidentalis}
{Rhizopogon ochraceorubens}
{Sarcodon imbricatus}
{Schizophylum commune}
{Sparassis crispa}
{Stereum complicatum}
{Stereum hirsutum}
{Tapinella panuoides}
{Trimetes versicolor}
Agaricales, “Gilled Fungi”
Genus: {Hypholoma aka “Mushroom w/ Threads”} sp. fasciculare
PALE PINKISH-BROWN TO REDDISH-BROWN OFTEN WITH REMNANTS OF THE PARTIAL VEIL ADHERING TO THE MARGIN, Tubaria
furfuracea
bright OR pale yellow OR orange, smooth, fleshy, unbranched to “lobed”, club-shaped (“cartoon-like”) columns up to 7 cm tall: “Lesser Earth Tongues”: {Neolectomycetes}:
{Otidea smithii}
Microscopic/Unicelluar Fungi found growing in:
Mutualism w/ Land Plants: “Ball Mushroom”: {Glomeromycota}
Soil OR Decaying Plant OR Animal Matter: {Zygomycota/Zygomycetes} NO DATA YET
{Entomophthoromycota} NO DATA YET
{Kickxellomycotina} NO DATA YET
{Zoopagomycotina} NO DATA YET
Causes Disease in Plants & Other Fungi, OR Skin OR Lung Infections in Humans: {Mucoromycotina} NO DATA YET
Water: 1-Celled: “Chytrids” aka “Little Pot Mushroom” {Chytridiomycota}
soil & around roots of these trees: Hemlock, Spruce, Pine, & Heather. NO Fruit Bodies OR Spores: {Archaeorhizomyces}
soil on roots as thick-walled parasites that cause galls on Plants in the “Rush”: {Junacaceae} & “Sedge” {Cyperaceae} families: {Entorrhizomycetes}, Order: {Entorrhizales), Family: {Entorrhizaceae}:
Identify a Lichen:
What Type of Structure is the Lichen?
Foliose: [folliage-like; grows nearly flat against substrate (surface), except edges raise up off substrate & appear leafy-shaped]:
Which best describes the overall Colour of the lichen @ first glance?
{Ahtiana sp.}
“Eastern Candlewax Lichen”: {A. aurescens}
“Mountain Candlewax Lichen”: {A. sphaerosporella}
“Pallid Candlewax Lichen”: {A. pallidula}
{Allecetraria sp.}
“Yellow Ribbon Lichen”: {A. oakesiana}
{Anaptychia sp.}
Lobe tips w/ small glassy hairs but NO dark hairs:
{Anaptychia ulotrichodes}
long, tapered, pale gray to black, unbranched or forked cilia all along the margins:
{A. setifera}
white & coarse, or “scab-like” lobe tips:
“Shaggy-Fringe Lichen”: {A. palmulata}
{Xanthoparmelia sp.}: NO DATA YET
“dripping” edges that stick up rather up off the substrate: {Xanthoparmelia taractica}
{Xanthoparmelia cumberlandia}
{Xanthoria perietena} NO DATA YET
Green:
Grey:
Orange to Yellow:
Tree Bark:
“Black Foam Lichens”: {Anzia sp.}
“Black Foam Lichen”: {A. colpodes}
If you’re in the Arctic, Subarctic, Alpine, Boreal, or Taiga– look here:
Alpine Rocks: above the treeline in elevation
“Rock Grub Lichens”: {Allantoparmelia sp.}
“Rippled Ring Lichen”: {A. separata}
“Rock Grub Lichen”: {A. alpicola}
{A. incurva}
Calcareous Soil in Arctic/Alpine: chalky or lime-covered soil above treeline
“V-Fingers”: {A. madreporiformis}
on disturbed soil (ie roadsides or frost boils):
“Dot Lichens”: {Arthrorhaphis sp.}
Siliceous rock: sedimentary rocks that have silica as the principal constituent (i.e. chert, diatomite} out in the open:
“Ring Lichens”: {Arctoparmelia sp.}
“Concentric Ring Lichen”: {A. centrifuga}
“Rippled Ring Lichen”: {A. separata}
{A. subcentrifuga}
Fruticose: grows up from substrate (surface) in soft, branching “tendrils”:
Lace Lichen {R. Menziesii};
Which best describes the structure type of the tendrils?
Flat; “Apothecia” NOT present:
{Pendulous Lichen}: long tendrils grow drooping down from branches:
“Lace Lichen”: {Ramalina menzesii} NO DATA YET
Flat; Apothecia present:
Cylindrical:
“Old Man’s Beard”: when tendrils are pulled apart, a White Cord is inside: {Usnea sp.}: NO DATA YET
On calcareous soil & pebbles in dry, open prairies, OR on dry steppes:
“Vagabond Lichen”: {Aspicilia/Agrestia hispida}
{Aspicilia fruticulosa}
Flattened, but Fleshy:
grey on top & black underneath: {Hypogymnia sp.}: NO DATA YET
“Witch’s Hair”: {Alectoria sp.} NOT CATEGORIZED YET
“Flowering Witch’s Hair”: {A. lata}
“Green Witch’s Hair”: {Alectoria ochroleuca}
“Grey Witch’s Hair”: {Alectoria nigricans}
“Spiny Witch’s Hair”: {Alectoria imshaugii}
{Alectoria sarmentosa}
Crustose: [crust-like; grows flat against the substrate (surface) like a crust]:
“Almond Lichens”: {Amygdalaria sp.}
“Powdery Almond Lichen”: {A. panaeola}
“Button Lichens”: {Amandinea sp.}
“Tiny Button Lichen”: {A. punctuata}
“Cobblestone Lichens”: {Acarospora sp.}:
“Brown Cobblestone Lichen”: {A. fuscata}
“Gold Cobblestone Lichen”: {A. contigua}
“Rimmed Cobblestone Lichen”: {A. glaucocarpa}
“Soil Paint Lichen”: {A. schleicheri}
“Comma Lichens”: {Arthonia sp.}
“Asterisk Lichen”: {A. radiata}
“Bloody Comma Lichen”: {A. cinnabarina}
“Frosted Comma Lichen”: {A. caesia}
“Speckled Wart Lichens”: {Astrothelium sp.}
{A. versicolor}
“Sunken Disk Lichens”: {Aspicilia sp}
“Chalky Sunken Disk Lichen”: {A. candida}
“Chiseled Sunken Disk Lichen”: {A. contorta}
“Cinder Lichens”: {A. cinerea}
{Caloplaca sp.} NO DATA YET
{C. saxicola}
Squamulose: [scale-like; the thallus (body) consists of small, often partly raised, usually overlapping scales (“squamules”), which overlap to form mats. otherwise similar to crustose lichens having only an upper cortex (outer skin)]:
“Mealy Pixie-cup Lichen”: {C. Chlorophae}; Powdery, cup-shaped podetia growing from a scaly thallus
Dot Lichens: {Arthrorhaphis}:
Gives rise to a fruiting structure called a “Podetium” (erect, hollow stalk) resembling a:
golf tee:
toothpick:
branching shrub (least common):
Lower surface of scaled mats are white & cottony:
Leprose; powdery with no visible parts NO DATA YET
lichen glossary:
All Glossary Terms
Vitals
Ancient Fire-Related Skills:
Ancestral Cooking Techniques:
Rocks Present:
3-Rock Technique; Need-to-Know
Keyhole Lay; An Essential Technique
Rock Boiling; quickly boil water using very little wood
Steam Pit; steam-bake large amounts of food
No Rocks Present
Dakota Hole {No Data Yet}
Double-Log Trench {No Data Yet}
Cooking Utensils & Fire Manipulation Tools:
Deer Antlers for Rock Boiling
Rawhide Bowls
Tortoise Shell Bowls (don’t kill tortoises!; gather abandoned shells in desert)
Willow Tongs for Keyhole Lay Firepits
Fire Making Techniques:
Bow & Drill
Flint & Steel
Hand Drill
Improved Comfort:
Hot Coal-Heated Bed {No Data Yet}
Reflector Fire {No Data Yet}
Pottery, Clay, & Kilns:
Constructing the Ancient Kiln
Prepping the Clay
Torches & Candles
Torch: Yucca plant dried caudex & Pine tree pitch {No Data Yet}
Water:
Locate Water:
Reading the Landscape
Water Indicator Plants
Water Recovery:
Water Purification:
Food:
Instant (Raw) Foods: [just pick & eat]:
Berries:
Blackberry shrub {Rubus ursinus}
Red Raspberry shrub {Rubus idaeus & strigosus}
Currant shrub {Ribes sp.}
Gooseberry shrub {Ribes uva-crispa}
Nuts:
Pine nuts {Pinus sp.}:
Pollen:
Pine tree pollen
Cattail plant pollen [grows next to or submerged in water]
Roots, Bulbs, & Rhizomes (all are fancy words for “roots”):
Brodeia bulbs: {Dichelostemma capitatum}
Tubers & Piths: [soft inner core found inside some plant stems]:
Artichoke Thistle plant (entire inside of stem): {Cynara cardunculus}
Cattail plant tuber (grows inside base of stalk just above where the plant is submerged in water]
Leafy Greens:
Lamb’s Quarter plant {Chenopodium berlandieri} NO DATA YET
Miner’s Lettuce plant {Claytonia perfoliata} NO DATA YET
Quick Foods: [require roasting, toasting, or boiling]:
Boiling:
cambium layer (inner bark) of Pine Tree; crumble into hot water & use as broth.
Artichoke Thistle closed flowering heads
Nettle leaves: {Urtica dioca}
Roasting: [over an Oak fire]: NO DATA YET
Toasting: [heat on dry pan]:
Yucca cactus seeds {Hesperoyucca whipplei}
Ashbake Foods; bake in hot Oak coals using a Keyhole Lay firepit
Ashcakes; ashbake breads
Acorn Flour (from Oak trees)
Cattail plant rhizomes (roots) {Typhus}
Soaproot root: {Chloragalum palmeridian}
Fritter Flowers: types of flowers that can be made into fritters:
Elder(berry) shrub or tree {Sambucus sp.}
Indian Pipestem (Fritters Buckwheat)
Grains: [must be winnowed & chaffed]:
Canada Wild Rye {Elymus canadensis}
Curly Dock {Rumex crispus}
Oats {Danthonia californica}
Red Desert Rice {Achnatherum hymenoides}
Special Preparation Foods:
Acorn flour {Quercus sp.}
Buckeye nut flour {Aescules sp.}
Milkweed plant seed pods {Asclepias sp.}
Raw Foods That Are NOT Instant Foods: [can be processed under 118 degrees]:
Shelter Building Skills:
Emergency Shelters:
A Thickly-Growing Conifer Tree
A-Frame {No Data Yet}
Lean-To {No Data Yet}
Traditional Shelters:
Hogan {No Data Yet}
Tipi {No Data Yet}
Wikiup
Bedding:
Bulrush reed bundles {Schoenoplectus californicus}
Cattail reed bundles {Typhus latifolia & quadrifolia}
Cedar tree leaf “bedsprings” (repels insects/arachnids)
Jerusalem Bedstraw aka “Cleavers”- misleading name yet comfortable traditional bedding plant {Galium aparine}
Pine tree needles; used as bottom layer, repels some insects
Rabbitbrush leaves {Chrysothamnus nauseosus OR Ericameria nauseosa}
Sagebrush leaves {Artemesia tridentata}
Bridge Building:
Living Bridges Made from Roots
Pest Control:
Bug Repellent (for body):
Pennyroyal Mint tea {Monardella odoratissima}
Pine Needle tea
Insecticide
Buffalo Gourd plant leaf tea
Hygiene:
Oral Care:
Floss: Milkweed stem fibers
Mouthwash: boiled Sage Plant leaves, boiled Oak Tree galls, bark, or acorns
Soap
Soaproot root: brush a large flat rock off using the Soaproot’s natural brush that is made from the fibers that are attached all over the root. Peel the root & crush it onto the rock surface. Add water & rub vigorously & use as a raw & wild soap.
Wild Lilac flowers: rub the flowers vigoursly between the hands with water & use as soap.
Beautification:
Chia Seed Facemask
Deodorant
dried Sagebrush leaves rubbed atop skin {Artemisia tridentata}
Hair Care:
Loofahs, Sponges, etc.
Wild Loofah Vine {Marah oreganus}
For Women:
Drinks:
Herbal Tea:
Red Raspberry leaf or flower tea: {Rubus idaeus & strigosus}:
Ephedra: {Ephedra}
Plants for Juicing!: [fibrous plants formerly called “cud-spitters”]:
Dandelion leaves: {Taraxacum officinale & erythrospermum}
Herbal Medicine
A – G
Arthritis/Joint Problems: Nettle leaves, Mugwort leaves, White Willow bark, Pine needles, Acorn oil, Cedar or Juniper leaves, Feverfew
Allergies: Nettle leaves or untampered local wild Honey:
Honey: local, raw, unfiltered wildflower honey &/or bee pollen as homeopathic remedy internally sparingly
Article: “A Pot of Gold @ the End of the Rainbow”
Nettles; leaves boiled in water & drank liberally as highly-nutritious antihistimine
Antibiotics: Garlic clove, Moldy Acorns, Mullein roots, Plantago roots, Usnea Lichen:
Garlic clove: crush the clove & let it sit 15 minutes to activate enzymes, THEN apply topically no more than 3 hours.
Moldy Acorns: place acorns in a basket in the shade & let sit for one week. Crush the mold & apply topically or use internally same as penicillin
Mullein roots: apply poultice topically
Plantago roots: apply poultice topically
Usnea Lichen: boil lichen, then use internally & externally liberally
Asthma: Mullein leaves, Sycamore bark, black Native American wild rice:
Black Native American Wild Rice: use as native alternative as traditional lung medicine. Purchasing Native American wild rice helps support Native American communities.
Mullein leaves: make the leaves into a tea & strain through cloth to remove fine hairs before drinking OR smoke the Mullein leaves
Sycamore bark: use internally as tea (We like to call it the “Sick-a-Less Tree”!)
Band-Aid: Pine Tree pitch:
Pine: split open pitch (golden resin) that bleeds from wounded tree & place the clean inside portion directly onto cut & let sit. Re-apply if pitch washes off if wound is still open.
Cold Sores (Herpes): Bay Tree leaves or buds, Oak Tree bark or galls
Bay Tree: chew the buds or leaves if cold sores are in mouth, or if external crush them with fingers to release oils & apply topically
Oak Tree: boil a small amount of water with bark or gall & use as mouthwash, topically, or in/on genitals
Gunshot Wound: Chia seeds, Yarrow flowers:
Emergency Care: Chia & Yarrow: after removing the bullet if able, pour dried chia seeds onto the wound to soak up & plug the bullet hole, then make a poultice of Yarrow flowers & apply often topically.
Aftercare: Pine & Yarrow: Split open Pine Tree pitch & press onto the wound daily until completely healed. Soak in a poultice of Yarrow flowers between each application of pitch.
H – N
Hemorrhoids; Plantago leaves:
Kidney Stones: Juniper Bush berries, Ephedra stems
Ephedra: [boil then drink stems]:
Juniper Shrub: boil then drink berries
O – U
Poison Oak, Poison Ivy or Poison Sumac: Plantago leaves, Mugwort leaves, Jewelweed leaves, Elder Tree flowers & leaves, Aloe leaf juice, &/or Oak bark:
To Remove Toxic Oil: Mugwort OR Plantago leaves: rub leaves vigorously on the spot where you touched the plant to soak up the toxic oil into the leaves so that a rash will not spread &/or the area will be able to begin healing
After Oil is Removed: Aloe: cover affected area with leaf juice
After Oil is Removed: Elder Tree: apply a poultice of the leaves & flowers atop the affected area
Jewelweed leaves: no data yet
Stop Bleeding (external): Horseweed leaves, Oak bark or galls, Shepherd’s Purse leaves, or Yarrow flowers or leaves
Horseweed leaves: make a poultice of the leaves & apply topically
Oak bark or galls: boil a small amount of water & make a poultice of the bark or strong decoction of the galls & apply topically
Yarrow flowers or leaves: apply poultice topically
Shepherd’s Purse leaves: no data yet
Stop Bleeding (internal): Shepherd’s Purse leaves
Shepherd’s Purse leaves: no data yet
V – Z
Wart Removal: Milkweed resin, Yucca leaf juice
Milkweed: break open the Milkweed stem & apply white resin atop wart. Each time the resin comes off, repeat this until the wart disappears.
Yucca: crush or chew the base or the Yucca leaf to release the juice, then apply topically
⊕⊕ About Native ⊕⊕ Traditional Medicines
Wildcraft
Cordage & Rope:
Milkweed plant stem
Nettle plant stems
Sagebrush stems
Yucca cactus spines
Dyes:
Indian Paintbrush plant {Castilleja sp.}
Juniper shrub/tree berries {Juniperus sp.}
Orange
Elephant Ear lichen {Lobaria pulmonaria}
Ground fruticose lichen {Parmelia molliuscula}
Prickly Pear cactus fruit {Opuntia polycantha}
Rabbitbrush shrub blossoms & stems {Ericameria nauseosa OR Chrysothamnus nauseosus}
Reddish-Brown
Concentric Ring lichen {Arctoparmelia centrifuga}
Dock plant root {Rumex crispus}
Sagebrush shrub leaves & twigs {Artemesia tridentata}
Yellow
Goldenrod plant blossoms {Solidago sp.}
Fabric Insulation:
Cattail plant down {Typha sp.}
Glue:
Asphaltium
Indian Gumweed {Grendelia sp.}
Mistletoe plant berries {Viscum album}
Pine tree pitch
Soaproot dried bulb juice {Chlorogalum pomeridianum}
Ancient, Sturdy Tool Building:
Blade Crafting aka Blade Knapping
Handpump Drill for Drilling Holes
Stone Hammer
Animals!
Animal Free Alternatives:
Sufficient Protein Sources:
Acorn flour
Chia plant seeds {Salvia hispanica, columbaria, & blanca}
Chia Plant seeds: {Salvia columbaria & hispanica}
Klamath Lake Blue-Green Algae: {Aphanizomenon flosaque}
Stinging Nettle leaves: {Urtica dioca & sp.}
Iron:
Stinging Nettles: {Urtica species}
Calcium:
B-12:
Dulse Seaweed leaves {Palmaria palmata}
Klamath Lake Blue-Green Algae: {Aphanizomenon flosaque}
Kombucha
Micro-Organisms Present on Unsterilized Foods
Wild Mustard leaves {Sinapis arvensis}
Fat:
Acorns (Oak Tree nuts): {Quercus species}
Pine nuts: {Pinus species}
Sunflower seeds: {Helianthus annuus}
Omega-3, 6, & 9:
Chia seeds: {Salvia columbariae & hispanica}
Flax seeds: {Linum usitatissimum}
Hemp seeds: {Cannabis sativa}
Purslaine leaves: {Portulaca oleracea}
Goose Down:
Cattail down; ~95% efficiency: {Typha latifolia}
Rennet for Cheese Making: Stinging Nettles {Urtica dioca & sp.}
Wild Animal Communication:
Big Cats
Kevin Richardson aka “The Cat Whisperer”
Mattias Klum & The Cougar
The Tibetan Tiger Temple
Elephants
Ocean Ramsey; “The Shark Whisperer”
Penguin
The Man Who Befriended a Wild Crocodile
Whale Trying to Communicate With Humans by Imitating Their Boat’s Motor
Wild Elephants Take Revenge on Village After Herd Member Hit by Train
Deer Retaliates Against Hunter
Procuring Fallen Animals:
Preparing Fur The Native Way
Preparing Rawhide The Native Way
Preparing Strong Sinew for Sewing, Tool Crafting, etc.
Rendering Fat (for soap, joint repair, cooking & lamp oil, & more)
Tanning Leather with Oak Tree Galls
Obtaining Spirit Medicine:
Directory
Our Bright Green Sponsors
Our Other Websites:
WildWillpower.org: Our main site shows how WildLivingSkills.org fits into a bigger plan
OurLandsToo.org: The Real History of the USA & *How to Fix the System*
TribalLivingSpaces.org: Mapping Non-Commerciable Tribal Living Spaces & Native Animal Sanctuaries Throughout the USA
Private Instructors:
Richard Lonewolf Survival School (Lake Isabella, California)
Obsidian & Flint Blade Knapping w/ Bakersfield Knappers: LetTheRockRoll.com
Online Classes w/ Ethnobotany Instructor Marc Williams: BotanyEveryday.com
PlantsAndHealers.org; Tribute Site to Renown Ethnobotanist Frank Cook
Biological Societies:
California Lichen Society “CALS”
California Native Plant Society
Mycological Society of San Francisco
Ecological Restoration & Recovery Projects:
California Wilderness Coalition
Indigenous Peoples Restoration Network
Matter of Trust
Society for Ecological Restoration
Conservation & Nature Advocacy Groups:
Defenders of Wildlife
Iowa Prairie Network
U.S. First Nations:
Absentee-Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma
Agdaagux Tribe of King Cove
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
Ak-Chin Indian Community
Akiachak Native Community (IRA)
Akiak Native Community (IRA) [Alaska ]
Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas [Southern Plains ]
Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town [Eastern Oklahoma ]
Alatna Village [Alaska ]
Aleut Community of St. Paul Island [Alaska ]
Algaaciq Native Village [Alaska ]
Allakaket Village [Alaska ]
Alturas Rancheria [Pacific ]
Angoon Community Association [Alaska ]
Aniak Traditional Council [Alaska ]
Anvik Traditional Council [Alaska ]
Apache Tribe of Oklahoma [Southern Plains ]
Arctic Village Council [Alaska ]
Aroostook Band of Micmacs [Northeast ]
Asa’carsarmiut Tribe [Alaska ]
Atmautluak Traditional Council [Alaska ]
Atqasuk Village [Alaska ]
Augustine Band of Mission Indians [Pacific ]
Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe [Midwest ]
Barona Band of Mission Indians [Pacific ]
Join Our Resource Directory!
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The Combined Knowledge of All Our Ancestors
