Background The Pacific Northwest is home to many native species of plants. Two of those plants are the Big Leaf Maple and the Trailing Blackberry. These plants have an effect on more than just the wildlife around them, they also have uses that Native Americans discovered. Using plants to help further human life has been a critical stepping stone to get to where we are today. This paper will explore the background and information of the two native plants and specify the uses that Native Americans have found. Knowing the history and use of native plants gives more appreciation of the world that surrounds us right in our own backyard.
Big Leaf Maple The Big Leaf Maple also known as the Oregon Maple has the species name Acer macrophyllum, macro meaning large and phylum meaning leaf. This tree is identifiable from the giant leaves that it grows, normally measuring 6-12 inches wide. The Big Leaf Maple is much taller than its relatives reaching heights of up to 80 feet and a canopy of 50 feet across. The trunks of the tree are normally 2-4 feet in diameter. The Big Leaf Maple is one of the most abundant tree species in the Pacific northwest, preferring to grow in cool moist woods. The most distinguishing feature of the Big Leaf Maple is of course the giant leaves but the tree can also be identified by a distinctive pattern that the bark grows in.
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The tree was great for making wooden instruments and tools. The wood is sturdy and makes beautiful furniture as well. The leaves of the Big Leaf Maple have properties that the Native Americans believed treated sore throats. They would boil the leaves in water to create a tea as well as just eat the leaves. Now it seems that the bark of the tree, made into tea, is a natural remedy for tuberculosis. The Big Leaf Maple is used today for its wood to make furniture and musical