Plants found in the Chaparral biome Temescal Gateway Park Plants found in the Chaparral biome

Coastal Live Oak Can sustain family of 4 Is called “grandmother” by Native Americans This one in the park is probably over 500 years old!

Sage Sacred to Chumash Used in sweat lodges Used in spiritual ceremonies Source of chia seeds http://www.shamansmarket.com/white-sage-jumbo-smudge-sticks-142.html Chia is an edible seed that comes from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, grown in Mexico dating back to Mayan and Aztec cultures. "Chia" means strength, and folklore has it that these cultures used the tiny black and white seeds as an energy booster. That makes sense, as chia seeds are a concentrated food containing healthy omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, antioxidants, and calcium.  Chia seeds are an unprocessed, whole-grain food that can be absorbed by the body as seeds (unlike flaxseeds). One ounce (about 2 tablespoons) contains 139 calories, 4 grams of protein, 9 grams fat, 12 grams carbohydrates and 11 grams of fiber, plus vitamins and minerals. The mild, nutty flavor of chia seeds makes them easy to add to foods and beverages. They are most often sprinkled on cereal, sauces, vegetables, rice dishes, or yogurt or mixed into drinks and baked goods. They can also be mixed with water and made into a gel.  http://www.ecnca.org/plants/Salvia_apiana.htm by Gabi McLean

Sycamore Tree Tallest chaparral tree Used to find water (just under roots) “TP” tree http://www.gpnc.org/sycamore.htm http://losangelesloveaffair.wordpress.com/2011/10/28/california-sycamore/

Hemlock VERY Poisonous Very plentiful Often confused with wild carrots (Queen Ann’s Lace) Poison-hemlock starts growing in the spring time, producing flowers in late spring, while wild carrot produces flowers later in the summer. This was the drink that Socrates was forced to drink after being convicted of corrupting youth (teaching them disrespect) and being disrespectful of the gods. Toxicity Poison-hemlock is acutely toxic to people and animals, with symptoms appearing 20 minutes to three hours after ingestion.  All parts of the plant are poisonous and even the dead canes remain toxic for up to three years.  The amount of toxin varies and tends to be higher in sunny areas.  Eating the plant is the main danger, but it is also toxic to the skin and respiratory system.  When digging or mowing large amounts of poison-hemlock, it is best to wear gloves and a mask or take frequent breaks to avoid becoming ill.  One individual had a severe reaction after pulling plants on a hot day because the toxins were absorbed into her skin.  The typical symptoms for humans include dilation of the pupils, dizziness, and trembling followed by slowing of the heartbeat, paralysis of the central nervous system, muscle paralysis, and death due to respiratory failure

Western Poison Oak Usually with three leaflets It grows as a vine or a shrub 50% people are sensitive to this plant Rash can last up to 2 weeks http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/poison-ivy-oak-and-sumac-leaves What is poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac? Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are plants that are found throughout North America. Leaves, stems, roots and berries of all of these plants cause the same type of skin rash. More than 50% of people are sensitive to the oil of these plants. The rash is very itchy and can have streaks or patches of redness and blisters on exposed body surfaces (such as the hands). The rash appears 1 or 2 days after you have been exposed to the plant in a forest or field. How long does it last? The rash usually lasts 2 weeks. Treatment reduces the symptoms but does not cure the rash. How can I take care of myself? Wash the area If you think you have had contact with one of these plants, wash the exposed areas of skin with any available soap for 5 minutes. Take special care to clean under your fingernails. Do this as soon as possible because after 1 hour it is too late to prevent the oil from absorbing into the skin. Cool soaks Soak the area with the rash in cold water or massage it with an ice cube for 20 minutes as often as necessary. Let it air dry after the soaking or massage. This will reduce itching and oozing. Steroid creams If applied early, a steroid cream can reduce the itching. Buy some nonprescription 1% hydrocortisone cream. Your provider may recommend a stronger prescription steroid cream. The sores should be dried up and no longer itchy in 10 to 14 days. In the meantime, cut your fingernails short and try not to scratch the rash. Oral steroids Severe or widespread poison ivy requires oral steroids to bring it under control. Take the medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Benadryl If itching persists, take Benadryl orally (no prescription needed) 50 mg every 6 hours as needed. Contagiousness The fluid from the sores themselves cannot spread the rash. However, oil or sap from the poisonous plant may stay on your pet's fur or on your clothes or shoes. This oil or sap remains as an irritant for about a week. Be sure to wash it off clothes or pets with soap and water.

Nightshade Also poisonous DO NOT EAT!! Related to tomatoes http://www.survivalschool.us/edible-medicinal-plant-uses/poisonous-plants-trees/ common-nightshade-solanum-nigrum/ Medicinal: poultice of leaves can be used externally for skin cancers  

(ingredient for asprin) Willow Tree Indicate water near-by Bark can be used to take away pain (ingredient for asprin) Used by Chumash to make shelters

Amole, Soap Plant Is used to capture fish (paralyzes fish when put in water) for making soap for washing for making brushes (husks) For eating (bulb) http://www.100megspop2.com/explorer/Amole.html The bulb was eaten, after being roasted.  The plant also furnished soap for washing, and husks for making brushes. 

California Lilac Native Americans Used the dried leaves as a tea To make baskets Used to ease childbirth As sunscreen http://grassisgreenerblog.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-to-care-for-ceanothus-california.html

Yucca Can be used to make soap Used to make rope Used as a needle and thread Tastes like asparagus when cooked http://www.thesimalogue.com/ts3s-wp5-garden-catalogue.html

https://countrygate.wordpress.com/category/healing/ Fennel Tastes like black licorice Ground seeds made into tea is good for snake bites, insect bites or food poisoning Effective for respiratory congestion (common ingredient in cough medicines) Used to rebuild the digestive system in cancer patients https://countrygate.wordpress.com/category/healing/

Black Mustard Second most popular spice (Pepper is the first.) https://www.flickr.com/photos/sjliew/6652507621/in/photostream/ Second most popular spice (Pepper is the first.) Stimulates blood flow and improves circulation. Used for toothaches, joint pain, skin problems, and stomach aches Warms skin, so make into mustard plaster to relieve sore joints and muscles Mustard plasters also clears up chest congestion and relieves arthritic and rheumatoid pain and soreness Did you know a millimeter seed can grow up into a plant that is six, sometimes twelve feet tall? Black Mustard is a non-native. A non-native is a plant that does not belong in the lagoon. It just got brought in by wind or animals. Some people say the Spaniards brought Black Mustard from Spain to mark a trail to their missions. It grows in the coastal sage scrub community. There is so much Black Mustard that when it blooms, the hillsides look like they have been painted with yellow paint. Helen Hunt Jackson described it as "a golden snowstorm".