I would rather find myself in wilderness...
than lose myself in the city.
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Ceanothus velutinus (Snowbrush, Red Root)
This page currently under construction. Snowbrush (Ceanothus velutinus), also known as Western Red Root, Mountain Balm, Tobacco Brush, and Sticky Laurel, is a plant common to the western United States from British Columbia to California and eastward to South Dakota and Colorado. In our region, it grows on the east slope of the Cascade Mountains from the low ponderosa pine forests to mid elevation fir forests. the foliage is dark green and the flowers occur in white bunches similar to lilacs. We have two forms here. Both are xeric (low water requirements) and withstand drought quite well. The leaves are relatively large (2-3 inches) and have a shiney, clear, waxy coating that helps the plant conserve water. They are nitrogen fixers and so they can help the other plants around them by adding nitrogen to the soil. Wildlife The seeds are reportedly consumed by quail, morning doves, bushtits, mockingbirds and various sparrows and finches. This plant is also attractive to butterflies and serves as a host plant for at least one species. Snowbrush has high forage value for larger wildlife: deer, elk, mountain goat, big horn sheep and moose. Because it retains its leaves in winter, it is an important winter forage species. Ornamental Snowbrush is an evergreen shrub with shiney dark green foliage. The leaves are rather thick and have a waxy coating. The flowers have a unique fragrance but are not overly sweet. The smell is not unpleasant but rather earthy. Natural History We can not recommend the consumption of plant. The information provided here is for educational purposes only. The leaves of Snowbrush were reportedly used as a tea substitute. The dried and powdered leaves were also reportedly used for skin rashes (baby powder) and sores. The leaves, flowers and seed pods produce a nice lather when soaked in water - the resulting fluid used to treat dandruff. I have personally made and tried this natural soap and it is rather slimy similar to dish soap, it did seem to help remove dirt from the hands but it has no real ability to work on oils or grease. I consider it an excellent rinse. Native Americans used the tea for general illness, arthritis, diarrhea and a wash for open sores. There are two forms of this plant in our area. One is a rahter low trailing or spreading shrub to 18 inches in height. The other is an upright shrub to 6 feet in height. In the seed offerings below, they are identified as low and tall. Propagation Propagation is by cuttings or seeds. Stakes should be treated with rooting hormone (available at nursery outlets). Treat seed with a quick dip in boiling water 10 seconds to 5 minutes (split the seeds into groups and try various times with each group) followed by a moist cold stratification for 90 days. Or (in USDA zones 5-7) simply sow in the fall after the heat treatment and let mother nature work its miracles. References Peterson's Field Guide: Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs by Foster and Hobbs. Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West by Michael Moore Small Woodland Propagation of BC Propagation of Pacific Northwest Native Plants by Robin Rose, Caryn E. C. Chachulski, and Diane L. Haase. USDA Forest Service, Fire Effects Information System, Plant Species Life Form Data| Top of Page | HOME |
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