Elaeagnaceae Elaeagnus commutata Bernh. ex Rydb.

Silverberry

Thompson - Other, Cooking Tools

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: Other
Use sub-category: Cooking Tools
Notes: Bark twine used in drying roots and bunches of tied bark used as soapberry whippers. 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, the bark could be dried for future use. The long, even strands of the fresh or dried bark, after it was soaked, could be spun on the bare leg into a strong, two-ply twine used for many different purposes. The bark wine was used in twining mats, bags, capes, skirts and other clothing and also to thread bitter roots, avalanche lily corms and other roots for drying.

RECRD: 32708 id: 13000

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