Alismataceae
broadleaf arrowhead
Sagittaria viscosa C. Mohr
Indigenous Names: pšitóla hú, He tun’ e hesse’ yo
Traditional Food Use
Lakota
The inner bark is eaten during times of extreme famine.
Cheyenne
The starchy tubers at the ends of the rootstalks gathered and boiled or roasted Additional commentary: According to Tallbull, young boys were sent into the water to gather the stalks and tubers. When cooked the tubers taste similar to roasted or boiled water chestnuts.643
Medicinal Documentation
Lakota
The Lakota also make a decoction of the bark which is used to treat headaches and fever. The peeled bark čhoȟáŋ waŋžíča is also used as a poultice for wounds and cuts.
Botanical Reference
Parts Documented: bark, tubers
Distribution: Ponds, lakeshores, streams; plains to foothills; Alberta, Canada to New Mexico