Gwen'den'en niyo'enno'den' (Red Osier Dogwood)

With the gray skies and cold temperatures across much of Turtle Island this time of year, it’s important to find all the bits of beauty that we can! The snowy days in our neck of the woods are giving Red Osier Dogwood the opportunity to shine (just in time for Valentine’s Day) in striking crimson contrast to the crisp snow.

Gwen'den'en niyo'enno'den' in Seneca is also called red twig dogwood or red willow. This shrub grows almost everywhere across the United States. You might be familiar with its red stems which are used as December decorations.

Nearly the entire plant is put to use by Native American tribes! Many communities in the Northeast use the interior bark as a key ingredient in a blend with other botanicals to smoke in ceremonial pipes. The bark’s also utilized to tan hide. The twigs of Gwen'den'en niyo'enno'den' are flexible, so they’re often used to create baskets with a vibrant red color. Young shoots can be made into arrows, and juice from the fruit’s berries have been used to poison arrowheads.

Gwen'den'en niyo'enno'den' also offers powerful plant medicine: The Chippewa use it as an anti-diarrheal and to soothe skin irritations caused by poison ivy. The Shuswap use it to support the kidneys. The Maidu use it as a laxative and as a healing aid after childbirth. Other tribes employ this plant to treat sore eyes, colds, and fevers.

Nearly 20 species of birds eat the sour berries, and humans enjoy them, too. Some tribes gather the berries during fall and combine them with other fruits to make cakes and relishes.

Keep reading to learn about other plants native to the Delmarva region like Tehim (Strawberry) and Ultsă΄gĭtă΄ útana  (Devil’s Walking Stick). 

*Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a doctor before using this plant for a medical purpose.*

References: “Delaware Ethnobotany” by George. A Hill, Jr., “Iwígara: American Indian Ethnobotanical Traditions and Science Book” by Enrique Salmón, USDA, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, New York State Education Department