NativeTech: Native American Technology and Art
Indigenous Plants & Native Uses in the Northeast

BLUE FLAG BLUE FLAG
(Iris versicolor)
BLUE FLAGFood: Rhizomes are poisonous.

Medicine: A panacea for many ills and believed to influence the lymphatic system, the plant was used a poultice for treating sores and bruises.

Technology: When gathering plants in the hot sun, California Indian women wrapped their babies in the soft green iris leaves to retard the infants perspiration and save them from extreme thirst.

Note: Often planted near indian villages to ensure a good supply.


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© 1994 - Tara Prindle
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