​Learn More About Trailside Park's Biodiversity

Trailside Park is a natural preserve with diverse flora and fauna species along the trails.
​Learn more about some of them by scanning the QR code, clicking on the illustration, or visit Calflora.org.  
(flora listed first in alphabetical order, fauna follow)
​Click here to return to the main RECIPROCITY page
Illustrations by Nélida Samara except chickory by Lorainne Trianna
1. California Poppy – Eschscholzia californica is an annual or perennial herb that is native to California and is California’s state flower. It has a rich history of use among Native American tribes for various medicinal purposes. 

Traditional uses
  • Sedative and Relaxant: Many tribes used the California poppy as a mild sedative and relaxant. The plant was often employed to promote sleep and relieve anxiety. Its calming properties were utilized to soothe restlessness and stress.
  • Pain Relief: The California poppy was also used for its analgesic properties. Native Americans made poultices from the plant to alleviate pain, including toothaches and headaches.
  • Digestive Aid: Some tribes used the poppy to treat digestive issues. The plant was sometimes consumed to relieve stomachaches and other digestive discomforts.
  • Skin Issues: The plant's sap was applied topically to treat sores, cuts, and other skin conditions. It was believed to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that promoted healing.
  • Respiratory Ailments: Infusions and teas made from the California poppy were used to address respiratory problems, such as bronchitis and coughs.
  • Bladder and Liver Health: Certain tribes utilized the poppy in treatments for bladder and liver ailments, as the plant was thought to have beneficial effects on these organs.

While the California poppy is not as potent as its relative, the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), it is considered safer and non-addictive. Modern herbalists continue to use the California poppy for its mild sedative and analgesic effects, often in the form of tinctures, teas, or capsules.

​Considerations
If you're considering using California poppy for its medicinal properties, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider or a knowledgeable herbalist, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
2. Chicory – Rafinesquia californica, commonly known as California plumeseed or California chicory, is an annual plant native to California and other parts of the southwestern United States. While it is less well-known than some other native plants, it has been used by indigenous peoples for various purposes. Here are some traditional uses and medicinal applications:

Native Uses
  • Food Source: Some Native American tribes utilized Rafinesquia californica as a food source. The seeds of the plant could be ground into flour and used in cooking.
  • Tool Making: The plant’s stems and fibers were sometimes used in the making of tools and other practical items.
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Illustration by Lorainne Trianna
Medicinal Uses
The medicinal uses of Rafinesquia californica are less documented compared to more widely known plants like the California poppy. However, there are a few traditional applications:
  • Digestive Aid: Similar to other members of the chicory family, Rafinesquia californica might have been used for its potential benefits in aiding digestion.
  • General Health: The plant may have been used in traditional remedies to support overall health and wellness, though specific practices are not well-documented.

Modern Herbal Uses
In contemporary herbalism, Rafinesquia californica is not commonly used, and there is limited scientific research on its properties. However, it shares some characteristics with other chicory family plants that are known for:
  • Anti-inflammatory Properties: Plants in the chicory family are often noted for their anti-inflammatory effects, which might be inferred for Rafinesquia californica as well.
  • Antioxidant Benefits: Like many plants, it could have antioxidant properties, which help in protecting the body from oxidative stress.

​Considerations
If you are interested in exploring the uses of Rafinesquia californica, it's important to approach with caution. The plant's effects and safety profile are not as well-researched as more commonly used herbs. Consulting with a knowledgeable herbalist or healthcare provider is recommended, particularly for medicinal applications. Additionally, sustainable harvesting practices should be considered to ensure the preservation of native plant populations and their habitats.
3. Cobweb or Western Thistle – Cirsium occidentale var. californicum is a perennial herb that is native and endemic to California

Native Food Source
  • Edible Parts: Certain parts of the plant, such as young shoots and roots, were consumed by Native American tribes. The roots were sometimes eaten raw or cooked, while the young shoots could be peeled and eaten.

​Craft and Utility
  • Fibers: The fibers from the plant were occasionally used for making ropes or twine.
  • Dyes: Some parts of the plant were used to create natural dyes for coloring fabrics and other materials.​
Traditional Medicine Uses
  • Topical Applications: The leaves and roots of California thistle were sometimes used in poultices to treat sores, wounds, and boils due to their purported anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
  • Digestive Aid: Some Native American tribes used the plant to aid digestion. Infusions made from the leaves or roots were believed to help with stomach ailments and digestive issues.
  • Tea: An infusion or decoction of the leaves was occasionally used to treat respiratory issues, such as coughs and colds.​

Cultural Practices
  • Ceremonial Use: In some cultures, the plant was used in ceremonial practices or traditional rituals. Its presence in various habitats made it a familiar plant in the daily lives of indigenous peoples.​
4. Common Fiddleneck – Amsinckia intermedia is an annual herb that is native to California.  It has been used by Native American tribes and in traditional practices for various purposes.

Native Uses
  • Dye: Some Native American tribes used the plant to create a yellow dye.
  • Food: Seeds of Amsinckia intermedia were occasionally used as a food source, although they need to be processed carefully due to the presence of potentially harmful pyrrolizidine alkaloids.​ ​​​ ​
​While the plant has some traditional uses, it's important to approach it with caution due to its toxic properties. Further ethnobotanical research could provide more insights into its traditional applications and potential medicinal benefits
​​Medicinal Uses
  • Wound Healing: Traditionally, the plant has been used to treat minor wounds and skin ailments.
  • Anti-inflammatory: It may have been applied as a poultice to reduce inflammation.
Considerations
  • Toxicity: Amsinckia intermedia contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be toxic to livestock and humans if ingested in large quantities. These compounds can cause liver damage and other health issues.​
5. Elderberry – ​Sambucus mexicana also called Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea, the elderberry is a tree or shrub native to California, that is also found elsewhere in North America and beyond. The plant is attractive, hardy, and easy to grow, and an important food source for California wildlife. In spring, large clusters of cream-colored flowers attract butterflies and bees. The abundant blue berries provide food for birds and other animals.

Humans can eat the fruit as long as it is cooked, and it has medicinal properties including antioxidant activity is due to its polyphenols, which can help reduce oxidative stress and increase antioxidant enzyme activity. It is an anti-inflammatory, diuretic and has immune boosting properties that help prevent and ease cold and flu symptoms. 
Native American Uses:
Medicinal Uses:
  • Cold and Flu: Many Native American tribes used elderberry to treat colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. The berries and flowers were often made into teas or syrups.
  • Anti-inflammatory: The bark and leaves were sometimes applied as a poultice to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain in wounds or injuries.
  • Digestive Aid: Some tribes used elderberry tea to soothe the digestive tract, treating stomach aches and diarrhea.
Other Uses:
  • Dye: The berries can produce a deep purple or blue dye, which was used for coloring textiles and other materials.
  • Food: While the berries are toxic if eaten raw, they were sometimes cooked and consumed as food or used to make jellies and wines.
  • Musical instruments: Clappersticks, a percussion instrument, come from the branches of the elderberry, and are the main percussion instrument for some tribes.

Cultural Uses: 
  • For some tribes, elderberry’s lifecycle serves as an indicator of seasonal rhythms, guiding the timing of other food harvests. For the Northern Foothill Yokuts, the elderberry harvest in August coincided with the time to harvest sugar pine nuts, and the Coastal Pomo tracked their shellfish gathering window by the flowering and ripening of elderberry (Anderson 2005, Lightfoot 2009).
  • Prior to Euro-American policies of fire suppression, native people actively managed elderberry stands using fire as a strategy for reducing plant density and increasing fruit production (Anderson 2005, LaPena personal communication).
6. Few Flowered Spike or Spiked Rush –  Eleocharis pauciflora is a perennial grasslike herb that is native to California. This plant is found in wetland areas across North America. Its uses, particularly among Native American tribes, are not as widely documented as some other plants, but it has played a role in traditional practices.

Native Uses
  • Basketry and Weaving: Like many sedges, Eleocharis pauciflora may have been used by Native American tribes for making baskets, mats, and other woven items. The strong, flexible stems of sedges are ideal for such purposes.
  • Construction Material: The plant could have been used in the construction of temporary shelters or as thatching material due to its abundance in wetland areas.
​Medicinal Uses
While specific medicinal uses of Eleocharis pauciflora are not well-documented, its relatives in the sedge family have been used for various medicinal purposes. 
  • Diuretic Properties: Some sedges are known to have diuretic effects, promoting the elimination of excess fluids from the body. This use might be inferred for Eleocharis pauciflora as well.
  • Wound Healing: The fibers of sedge plants have been used in traditional medicine for wound care, possibly as a binding or protective material.

Modern Considerations
Wetland Conservation: Eleocharis pauciflora plays an important role in wetland ecosystems, contributing to soil stabilization and water filtration. Conservation of wetland habitats is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ecological health.

Conclusion
The uses of Eleocharis pauciflora, particularly in traditional Native American practices, highlight the importance of wetland plants in indigenous cultures. While specific medicinal uses are not extensively documented, the plant's role in basketry, weaving, and potential medicinal applications underscores its versatility and value. If you are interested in the ethnobotanical aspects of Eleocharis pauciflora, consulting with ethnobotanists or local indigenous knowledge keepers could provide more detailed insights.
7.  Harvest Lily or Wild Hyacinth – Brodiaea elegans is a perennial herb that is native to California. 
​
Food Source
  • Edible Corms: The primary use of Brodiaea elegans among Native American tribes was as a food source. The corms (underground storage organs) were harvested, typically in late summer or early fall, and could be eaten raw, roasted, or boiled. Tribes such as the Miwok, Pomo, and Wappo were known to utilize these corms as part of their diet.
  • Nutritious and Storable: The corms are rich in carbohydrates, making them a valuable source of nutrition. They were often dried and stored for later use, providing an important food resource during times of scarcity.
Cultural Practices
  • Harvesting Traditions: The gathering of Brodiaea corms was often a communal activity involving traditional knowledge about sustainable harvesting practices. This ensured the plant's availability for future generations.
  • Rituals and Celebrations: The harvesting and preparation of Brodiaea corms could be associated with certain rituals and celebrations, reflecting the plant's significance in the cultural and social life of the tribes.

​Traditional Medicine
  • General Health: While the primary use of Brodiaea elegans was as a food source, some tribes also used it for its health benefits. Eating the corms was believed to support general health and well-being, although specific medicinal applications are less documented compared to its culinary uses.​
8. Hedge Nettle Stachys ajugoides, commonly known as Bugle Hedge Nettle or Bugleweed, is a plant native to North America, particularly the western United States. It has a history of medicinal and native uses:
​
Native Food Source
  • Food: Some Native American tribes consumed the leaves and young shoots of Stachys ajugoides, although it was not a primary food source.
Cultural Practices
  • Ceremonial Use: In some indigenous cultures, the plant was used in ceremonial practices or as part of traditional rituals.
Craft and Utility
  • Fibers: The fibers of the plant were occasionally used in the making of twine or cordage.
Traditional Medicine Uses
  • Anti-inflammatory: The plant has been used for its anti-inflammatory properties to alleviate pain and swelling.
  • Wound Healing: Historically, poultices made from the leaves were applied to wounds and sores to promote healing and prevent infection.
  • Tea: An infusion of the leaves or flowers was sometimes consumed as a tea for various ailments, including digestive issues and respiratory conditions.
9. Howell’s Yampah Perideridia howellii is a plant native to the western United States, including California, Oregon, and Washington. This plant, a member of the carrot family (Apiaceae), has historical significance for various Native American tribes due to its medicinal and culinary uses.

Native Food Source
  • Edible Roots: The roots of Howell's Yampah are starchy and edible. Native American tribes, such as the Karuk, Yurok, and Klamath, harvested the roots as a food source. The roots were often eaten raw, roasted, or boiled.
  • Nutritious Tubers: The tubers provided an important source of carbohydrates and were sometimes stored for later use, particularly during times of food scarcity.
Traditional Medicine Uses
  • Digestive Aid: Some Native American tribes used the roots of Perideridia howellii to aid digestion. They believed that consuming the roots helped with stomach issues and overall digestive health.
  • General Health: Infusions made from the plant were sometimes used to support general health and well-being.

​Cultural Practices
  • Harvesting Traditions: The harvesting of yampah roots was often a communal activity and held cultural significance. It involved traditional knowledge about the best times and methods for harvesting to ensure sustainability.
  • Rituals and Ceremonies: In some cultures, Yampah may have been included in rituals and ceremonies, reflecting its importance as a food resource.​
10. Manzanita ​– Arctostaphylos manzanita is a shrub that is native to California, and endemic (limited) to California. Medicinal Uses:
  • Urinary Tract Health: Manzanita leaves were commonly used by Native American tribes to treat urinary tract infections and kidney issues. The leaves contain compounds that have antiseptic properties, making them effective for cleansing the urinary system.
  • Stomach Ailments: Tea made from manzanita leaves or bark was used to treat stomach issues such as cramps, diarrhea, and indigestion. It was also used as a mild laxative.
  • Sore Throat and Cough: A decoction of the leaves or bark was used as a gargle to relieve sore throats and coughs.
  • Manzanita leaves were used as toothbrushes.
  • ​A tea/tincture made from manzanita berries can be used for poison oak rash.​
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Food Uses:
  • Berries: The small, red berries of the manzanita were an important food source. They were eaten fresh, dried, or made into a mush or flour. The berries were also used to make a refreshing cider-like drink, often referred to as "Indian lemonade."
  • Flour: Dried manzanita berries were ground into a fine powder to create a flour that could be mixed with water to make cakes or porridge.
  • Fresh berries and branch tips can be soaked in water to make a cider.
​
Other Uses:
  • Dye: The bark of manzanita was used to create a reddish-brown dye for baskets, textiles, and other materials.
  • Tools and Crafts: The hardwood of manzanita was used to make tools, such as digging sticks, as well as for carving and other crafts due to its durability and attractive reddish color.​
Caution:
Tannins: Manzanita leaves contain tannins, which can be astringent and may cause stomach upset if consumed in large quantities. It's important to use manzanita medicinally in moderation and to properly prepare the leaves.
11. Valley Oak – ​Quercus lobata  & Blue Oak - Quercus douglasii are trees that native to California, and endemic (limited) to California. 
Native American Uses:
Acorn Harvesting:

  • Food: The acorns of blue and valley oak were a staple food source for many Native American tribes, including the Miwok, Maidu, and Yokut. The acorns were gathered, shelled, and leached to remove tannins, then ground into a flour. This flour was used to make a nutritious mush, bread, or porridge. Blue oak acorns are generally less bitter than those of other oaks, requiring less extensive leaching.
  • Storage: Valley and Blue oak acorns were often stored for long periods, providing a reliable food source throughout the year, especially in winter.​
Medicinal Uses:
  • Antiseptic Wash: A decoction made from the bark of blue and valley oak was used as an antiseptic wash to treat wounds, sores, and skin infections.
  • Digestive Aid: Acorn mush was sometimes consumed as a remedy for digestive issues like diarrhea and indigestion, as the tannins in the acorns have astringent properties.
Cultural Uses:
  • Baskets and Tools: The wood of the valley oak was used to make tools, utensils, and baskets. The tree's bark and leaves were sometimes used in dyeing materials.
Tannins:
  • Both valley and blue oaks contain tannins, which have strong astringent properties. These were used in various ways to treat wounds, stop bleeding, and reduce inflammation. Tannins also have antimicrobial properties, making oak bark decoctions useful as a topical antiseptic.
Anti-inflammatory:
  • Oak bark was often used to treat swelling and inflammation, whether applied externally as a poultice or consumed as a tea to address internal inflammation.
Strengthening and Healing:
  • Decoctions and teas made from oak bark were used to strengthen the body, especially for those recovering from illness or injury. The astringent properties helped to tone tissues and promote healing.
Caution:
Tannins: The high tannin content in oak parts can cause digestive discomfort if not prepared properly. Acorns, in particular, need to be leached to remove tannins before they are safe to eat.
Proper Preparation: Proper identification and preparation are essential when using oak parts for medicinal purposes to avoid adverse effects.

Valley and blue oaks were integral to the lives of Native American tribes, providing not only sustenance but also medicine, materials, and cultural significance. Their continued presence in the landscape is a testament to their resilience and importance in the ecosystems of California.
12. St John’s Wort – Hypericum scouleri is a perennial herb that is native to California. Commonly known as Scouler's,  St. John's wort, has been used by Native American tribes and in traditional herbal medicine.

Native Uses
  • Healing Wounds and Burns: Native Americans applied poultices made from the plant to treat wounds, burns, and sores.
  • Pain Relief: Used to alleviate pain and inflammation, likely due to its anti-inflammatory properties.​ ​


Considerations
These uses highlight the plant's versatility and importance in traditional healing practices. If you are interested in more detailed information, consulting with a knowledgeable herbalist or healthcare provider is recommended.
To find out more about the species click on the image below, the bolded titles, or scan the QR code!
14. Acorn Woodpecker –Melanerpes formicivorus
 12. California King Snake ​ – Lampropeltis californiae
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Additional flora species found at Trailside
Native
Annual beard grass (Polypogon monspeliensis)
Big quaking grass (Briza maxima)
Bristly dogtail grass (Cynosurus echinatus)
Grass poly (Lythrum hyssopifolia)
Iris-leafed rush (Juncus xiphioides)*
Italian ryegrass (Festuca perennis)
Jepson’s button celery (Eryngium aristolatum spp. Aristolatum)*
Medusahead (Elymus caput-medusae)
Northern water plantain (Alisma triviale)*
Pale spike-rush (Eleocharis macrostachya)*
Poison oak (Toxidendron diversilobum)
Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa)
Sonoma hedge nettle (Stachys stricta)*
Tall flatsedge (Cyperus eragrostis)*
Wild oats (Avena fatua)​
Birds
Acorn woodpecker - Melanerpes formicivorus
American crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos
American robin - Turdus migratorius
Brown-headed cowbird - Molothrus ater
California quail - Callipepla californica
European starling - Sturnus vulgaris
Mourning dove - Zenaida macroura
Northern flicker - Colaptes auratus
Northern mockingbird - Mimus polyglottos
Turkey vulture - Cathartes aura
Tree swallow - Tachycineta bicolor
Western kingbird - Tyrannus verticalis
Western meadowlark - Sturnella neglecta

Reptiles
California alligator lizard - Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata
California king snake - Lampropeltis getula californiae
Northwestern fence lizard - Sceloporus occidentalis occidentalis
Northern pacific rattlesnake - ​Crotalus oreganus

​Mammals
Black-tailed jackrabbit - Lepus californicus
Non Native or naturalized
Annual hairgrass (Deschampsia danthonioides)
Baltic rush (Juncus balticus ssp. ater) *naturalized
Big quaking grass (Briza maxima)
Black mustard (Brassica nigra)
Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum)
Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)
Bristly dogtail grass (Cynosurus echinatus)
Bristly ox-tongue (Helminthotheca echioides)
Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare)
Carpet bent (Agrostis stolonifera)
Common chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Common ripgut grass (Bromus diandrus)
Common Timothy (Phleum pratense)
Curly dock (Rumex crispus)
Fescue (Festuca myuros)
Fiddle dock (Rumex pulcher)
Grass poly (Lythrum hyssopifolia) (Lythraceae) *limited
Hedgeparsley (Torilis arvensis)
Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus)
Horseweed (Erigeron canadensis) *naturalized
Italian ryegrass (Festuca perennis)
Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus)
Mediterranean barley (Hordeum marinum ssp. gussoneanum)
Moth mullein (Verbascum blattaria)
Narrow-leaf filago (Logfia gallica)
Nettle-leaf goosefoot (Chenopodium murale)
Nit grass (Gastridium phleoides)
Purple salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius)
Ripgut grass (Bromus diandrus)
Rose clover (Trifolium hirtum) (Fabaceae)
Rye (Secale cereale)
Silver European hairgrass (Aira caryophyllea)
Smooth cat's ear (Hypochaeris glabra)
Squirreltail (Elymus elymoides var. elymoides)
St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Soft brome (Bromus hordeaceus)
Tumble mustard (Sisymbrium altissimum)
Toad rush (Juncus bufonius) *naturalized
Wild lettuce (Lactuca serriola)
Winter vetch (Vicia villosa)
Yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) *invasive