Elaeagnaceae Elaeagnus commutata Bernh. ex Rydb.

Silverberry

Thompson - Fiber, Cordage

Use documented by:
Turner, Nancy J., Laurence C. Thompson and M. Terry Thompson et al., 1990, Thompson Ethnobotany: Knowledge and Usage of Plants by the Thompson Indians of British Columbia, Victoria. Royal British Columbia Museum, page 207

View all documented uses for Elaeagnus commutata Bernh. ex Rydb.

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Scientific name: Elaeagnus commutata Bernh. ex Rydb.
USDA symbol: ELCO (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Silverberry
Family: Elaeagnaceae
Family (APG): Elaeagnaceae
Native American Tribe: Thompson
Use category: Fiber
Use sub-category: Cordage
Notes: Bark made into two-ply twine and used for twining mats, bags, capes, skirts and other clothing. The bark was peeled off in as long strips as possible in the spring or fall when it was 'kind of dry' and split with a knife (originally of stone). The grayish outer bark was removed and the inner bark scraped, cleaned and cut into desired widths. At this stage, it could be dried for future use. The long, even strands of fresh or dried inner bark, after it had been soaked, could be spun on the bare leg into a strong, two-ply twine used for many different purposes.

RECRD: 32704 id: 12995

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