My Observations

Date: June 11, 2025 @1000

Area: Trout Creek Main, Sunset Main to Brenda Mine Road

Temperature: +23C

Weather: Sunny

Wind: Light

Visibility: Excellent

Conditions: Springy!

Observations: Yesterday was a rest/swim day, I think Kai’s feet were a bit sore. He’s new and not used to the level of our adventures quite yet. He’s only been through our winter adventures so far.

Today we went for a little hike along the Brenda Mines Road, just past Dell’s place/pond.

Lots of flowers again today!

Lupine: Renowned for their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil through a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their roots, lupines play a crucial role in soil fertility and ecosystem health. Their nectar-rich flowers attract many pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, contributing to the pollination of nearby plants and biodiversity maintenance. Additionally, lupines serve as host plants for the larvae of several butterfly species, further enhancing their ecological value.

Arnica gone to seed

Larkspur: The whole larkspur plant, purple in color, is used to make a tea for washing people’s hair when they have lice. The whole plant from the ground up is chopped and made into a tea.

Yarrow:Many First Nations Elders of the B.C. interior value yarrow as a medicine, especially to treat sores. Ulkatcho people of the west Chilcotin soak the leaves in hot water, then apply them in a poultice to sore muscles. This same poultice can also be used to treat saddle sores on horses. Washed and crushed roots were recommended for toothaches. Various teas and concoctions were prepared for internal problems and as a general tonic. Fresh leaves crushed and rubbed on the skin or put to smoke away in a fire act to repel mosquitoes. Herbal users should be aware that yarrow is “phototoxic.” Skin exposed to crushed or rubbed yarrow may become irritated when exposed to strong sun.

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus ‘Snow Flurry’ aka White Flowered Mountain LilacWhite Wild Lilac: a broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. In spring and summer white flowers emerge. Attracts bees, birds and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun – dappled shade and occasional – low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty, lean and well-drained soil. When the sun is on this shrub, the smell is so intoxicating!!!

Wild Rose: The wild rose is a lovely and delicate plant that many Indigenous communities around the world hold dear. It’s valued for its healing properties and symbolic significance and has been used for generations as a traditional medicine by Indigenous peoples. The petals from the flowers can be made into an infusion that can help treat eye conditions such as pink eye. Later in the fall, when the petals have dropped and the rosehip forms, we can use it in a tea that is very high in vitamin C, which is why they were known to help defend against and treat colds. The cold pressed oils from the rosehip seed can be used as a beautiful facial oil to reduce lines and wrinkles. The wildrose is a deciduous shrub that typically grows in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It is characterized by its fragrant pink or white flowers with five petals and serrated leaves. The plant produces red or orange rose hips, which are the fruit of the plant and are rich in vitamin C and other nutrients. It is edible, but be sure not to eat the dry inner seeds, which can irritate the digestive tract. Some of us may have heard that the rosehip is called “itchybum” plants for this reason! Indigenous peoples have long recognized the healing properties of the wildrose plant. The rose hips, in particular, are known for their high vitamin C content, making them a valuable natural source of this essential nutrient. Vitamin C is important for immune function, skin health and overall well-being. In addition to being rich in vitamin C, rose hips contain antioxidants, such as flavonoids and carotenoids, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Pink Pussytoes/Cat Toes/Mouse Ear: There has been little use in herbal medicine, though it was once used in mixtures for the treatment of bronchitis and bilious conditions. The whole plant is antitussive, astringent, cholagogue, discutient, diuretic and emollient. The plant is very rich in mucilage, which makes it very valuable in the treatment of chest complaints. It is also used in the treatment of liver and gall bladder complaints, hepatitis and diarrhoea. Externally it is used as a gargle for treating tonsillitis and as a douche for vaginitis. The herb is gathered in May before it comes into flower and can be dried for later use.

Columbine: Columbine was formerly employed in herbal medicine mainly for its antiscorbutic effect, but it has fallen out of favour and is little used nowadays. The leaves root and seed are astringent, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, parasiticide. Because of its toxic properties, this plant should not be taken internally without expert advice, though the root is sometimes used externally in poultices to treat ulcers and the commoner skin diseases. The plant can be harvested at any time from June to October. Columbine has produced very unsatisfactory results and is not normally used medicinally. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. It is used in the treatment of affections of the nervous system.

Tiger Lily: Tiger lily bulbs have a history of medicinal use, particularly in traditional Chinese and Native American medicine. They have been used to treat respiratory issues like coughs and sore throats, as well as heart conditions, inflammation, and water retention. The bulbs are also known for their diuretic and expectorant properties.