Ericaceae

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Arbutus menziesii “Madrone/Arbutus” Ericaceae

Point Defiance Park, Tacoma, WA
May 5, 2012
Robert Niese

This is one of my favorite PNW endemics. The bark can be collected and steeped in a tea to treat stomach aches, cramps, or sore throats. The berries can be chewed to suppress hunger or fermented into a cider. The wood of madrone is beautiful and dense making it excellent for kinds of projects. Madrone’s thick, evergreen leaves are resistant to water loss make the species well adapted for coastal and dry environments throughout the PNW.

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Arbutus menziesii “Madrone/Arbutus” Ericaceae

Point Defiance Park, Tacoma, WA
May 5, 2012
Robert Niese

This is one of my favorite PNW endemics. These bark peels can be collected and steeped in a tea to treat stomach aches, cramps, or sore throats. The berries can be chewed to suppress hunger or fermented into a cider. The wood of madrone is beautiful and dense making it excellent for kinds of projects. Madrone’s thick, evergreen leaves are resistant to water loss make the species well adapted for coastal and dry environments throughout the PNW.

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Arctostaphylos uva-ursi “Bearberry/Kinnikinnick” Ericaceae

Lolo National Forest, Bitterroot Mountains, MT
April 18, 2015
Robert Niese

Bearberry is a ubiquitous, vining Ericad here in the pinelands of the eastern PNW. The dried leaves of this plant are very popular in traditional Native American smoking mixtures. The dried leaves are also used in teas to treat mild urinary tract problems.

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Moneses uniflora “Single-delight” Ericaceae

Olympic National Park, WA
June 1, 2013
Robert Niese

This unique Ericad is found in moist coniferous forests across the northern hemisphere and is the sole member of its genus. It truly is delightful!

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Elliottia pyroliflora “Copperbush” Ericaceae

Mount Rainier National Park, WA
August 9, 2013
Robert Niese

Copperbush is a member of the blueberry family and is a PNW endemic (west of the Cascades). These deciduous shrubs tend to grow in wet, boggy regions around mountain streams and lakes.