Rosaceae Prunus emarginata (Dougl. ex Hook.) D. Dietr.

Bitter Cherry

Hesquiat - Other, Fasteners

Use documented by:
Turner, Nancy J. and Barbara S. Efrat, 1982, Ethnobotany of the Hesquiat Indians of Vancouver Island, Victoria. British Columbia Provincial Museum, page 73

View all documented uses for Prunus emarginata (Dougl. ex Hook.) D. Dietr.

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Scientific name: Prunus emarginata (Dougl. ex Hook.) D. Dietr.
USDA symbol: PREME (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Bitter Cherry
Family: Rosaceae
Family (APG): Rosaceae
Native American Tribe: Hesquiat
Use category: Other
Use sub-category: Fasteners
Notes: Bark used to wrap the joints of implements such as harpoons, where the head is fixed to the shaft. First some pitch was smeared over the joint, then the cherry bark was wrapped around and bound tightly with twine or sinew. Finally more pitch was plastered over to make the joint completely watertight. Cherry bark is both strong and flexible and is decorative as well.

RECRD: 716 id: 30345

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