Ílhtelstexw Te Shxwelí

Ts'qw'élhp

(plant)

"Poke, stab, pierce" (sharp needles)

Spruce, Sitka

Picea sitchensis

Origins
INDIGENOUS
INTRODUCED
Niche/Zone
1
2
3
4

Ecology

Grows at Low to middle elevations.

Commonly found in: Prefer moist, well-drained locations. Also old logs or boggy sites.

Uses

Food
  • High in vitamin C.
  • Cambium (inner bark) was eaten fresh in spring or dried.
Medicine
  • Branches made into tea.
  • Antioxidant.
  • Sap or inner bark used in poultices and salves for slivers, sores, inflammation, skin infections, insect bites, cuts, burns, rashes, eczema, snowblindness.
  • Gum chewed for coughs and sore throats.
  • Medicinal tea for rheumatism, kidney stones, stomach problems, and diarrhea.
  • Rotten, dried, finely powdered wood used as baby powder and for skin rashes.