Wood Betony

English

Wood Betony

Latin

Pedicularis canadensis

Anishinaabemowin

mandaamini-ojiibikens (Smith: mandami' niodji' bikins, manda 'miniodji 'bikens)

Physical Description

Wood betony grows in medium to dry prairies, forests, and clearings, reaching a height of 4 to 16 inches. The leaves are soft and fem-like, and often a reddish colour. The yellow or reddish flowers are hooded, appearing in clusters from April to June. (Plants used by the Great Lakes Ojibwa, Meeker)

Uses & Preparation

An infusion of dried roots was used traditionally to treat anemia and roots were also used as an aphrodisiac. (Plants used by the Great Lakes Ojibwa, Meeker)

Sources

Plants used by the Great Lakes Ojibwa, Meeker, Elias and Heim, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, Odanah, WI, 1993