Hardhack
Hul’q’umi’num: t’eets’ulhp
Latin: Spiraea douglasii
Photo credits: Kendall McLaughlin
Description: Hardhack is a dense deciduous shrub commonly found in wetland ecosystems, where it thrives in moist soils. It can reach heights of up to 2 metres and is characterized by oval-shaped leaves that are dark green on top and paler, often covered in fine greyish hairs, underneath. The leaf edges are toothed near the tips. In summer, the plant produces clusters of small, fuzzy pink flowers arranged in cone-shaped spikes atop its stems. These blooms gradually give way to shiny brown fruits that persist through the winter.
Photo credits: Sparrowhawk Native Plants
Harvest and Sustainability: Stems may be harvest year-round as long as the bark and leaves are cleared off completely.
Photo credits: Promesse de Fleurs
Uses: Stems are used for making fish hooks, roasting sticks for clams, and spreaders for barbequing salmon.
