Apiaceae Angelica dawsonii S. Wats.

Dawson's Angelica

Blackfoot - Other, Malicious Charm

Use documented by:
Hellson, John C., 1974, Ethnobotany of the Blackfoot Indians, Ottawa. National Museums of Canada. Mercury Series, page 40

View all documented uses for Angelica dawsonii S. Wats.

Scientific name: Angelica dawsonii S. Wats.
USDA symbol: ANDA (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Dawson's Angelica
Family: Apiaceae
Family (APG): Apiaceae
Native American Tribe: Blackfoot
Use category: Other
Use sub-category: Malicious Charm
Notes: Juice used to spray on quirt (a rod) to cause other horses to fall behind during a race. A piece of plant was placed in the mouth, and the rider sprayed the quirt with the juice. This quirt was not used to whip the horse. When the race began, the rider would try to get on the right side of the other horses; he carried the magic quirt but whipped his horse with a regular one. At an opportune time the rider threw back the sprayed quirt, causing the other horses to fall behind.

RECRD: 3615 id: 3499