Pearly Everlasing
Diitiidʔaaʔtx̣: ptiklo’kobup
Latin: Anaphalis margaritacea
Description: Stiff stems growing 20 to 60 cm tall are topped by four to eight flat-topped clusters of small, pearl-like white flowers with yellow centers. The narrow leaves feature densely woolly undersides and spread out at regular intervals from the base to the top of the similarly hairy stem.
Photo Credits: Kendall McLaughlin
Harvest and Sustainability: They are found in open forests, clearings, meadows, rocky slopes, and along roadsides.
Uses: The dried blossoms can be used like tobacco to help relieve respiratory illnesses, and their smoke was traditionally passed over affected areas to treat paralysis. A wash made from the flowers and leaves helps soften skin and heal bruises.
Additionally, a tea brewed from the seed heads can be used to treat coughs, colds, and fevers.
