Cupressaceae Juniperus scopulorum Sarg.

Rocky Mountain Juniper

Thompson - Other, Protection

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 92

View all documented uses for Juniperus scopulorum Sarg.

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Scientific name: Juniperus scopulorum Sarg.
USDA symbol: JUSC2 (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Rocky Mountain Juniper
Family: Cupressaceae
Family (APG): Cupressaceae
Native American Tribe: Thompson
Use category: Other
Use sub-category: Protection
Notes: Boughs used as protection against illnesses and death. One informant said that, formerly, when a person died the branches were broken and laid in the coffin to keep the germs away and to keep the spirit or 'ghost' of the deceased person from harming or scaring the living. The informant also said that the branches could be placed on the stove in a little dish and the scent allowed to permeate the room. The branches could also be placed around the edges of the family's bedrooms as a disinfectant. They were left there until they lost their strong, pungent odor.

RECRD: 32087 id: 19065

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