2019 Plant Talk 12: Temperate Craft Plants

Plant Talk 12 Plants for Crafts

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upcoming Events

i will be teaching at a variety of different places over the next few weekends including at the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine, a plant walk at the Fall LEAF festival and doing Fall Tree ID at the North Carolina Arboretum.

Recent Events

i helped facilitate part of the Chow Chow Festival foraging class at Warren Wilson College. It was the first time for this food festival that featured over 40 events all throughout Asheville, NC.

i attended the United Plant Savers 25^th Anniversary celebration near Rutland. OH. The board of directors has also requested that i join them in helping steer this amazing organization into the future as a member of their group. While there i also led two plant walks.

After the celebration at UPS my travels took me for a visit to the Lloyd library to look into a potential research project on African American herbalism in the southeastern USA and Appalachia in particular. Afterwards i was stoked for a first time visit to the Bernheim Arboretum outside Louisville, KY and the Pawpaw research program located at Kentucky State University.

Most recently i facilitated a Forage and Feast class at Herb Mountain Farm, the lovely facility, where my office for Plants and Healers International is located.

What’s Blooming

Not much blooming currently except members of the Asteraceae. Speaking to that family i want to turn you on to the incredible resource for keying out many fall blooming members correctly with updated taxonomy that has been created by Sigrid Neilsen of Ohio.

Food Ready For Harvest

Apples (Malus spp.), Pawpaws (Asimina triloba), Pears (Pyrus spp.) and Persimmons (Diospyros spp.) are some of the fruits that are abundantly ready for harvest around me. A killing frost is right around the corner which actually will sweeten wild fruits like Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), Hawthorns (Crataegus spp.) and Rowan (Sorbus americana). i am looking forward to planting a bunch of Pawpaw seeds and also going to be getting with my land mates 100 Persimmons from the NC state Forestry department. The goal is to graft improved cultivars on top of both and plant them out through the valleys of Weaverville and Barnardsville where i hope to spend the majority of the rest of my life. The Pepperetum this year is also bumping for a little while longer with over 15 varieties of mostly hot peppers including many folks will recognize like Ancho, Cayenne, Carolina Reaper, Ghost, Habanero, Jalapeno Pimento and Trinidad Scorpion  among others… Time to make copious amounts of hot sauce!

What about you!?! What’s blooming and/or ready for harvest… What food projects do you have in mind? With the future challenges that face us near and far… Now is the time to be a botanical rock star!!!  

Temperate Plants for Crafts

This class is largely based on my graduate research, like many classes before. Therefore, the focus is mostly on the craft plants of Appalachia. i hope that over time further research by me and commentary by others may flesh out especially useful craft plants of other places as well. Much overlap for other temperate areas will already be apparent too…Without further adieu….  

The rich craft tradition of Appalachia was surveyed quite thoroughly by the 1930s (Eaton, 1973). Crafts originally provided a means to the end of functional necessity. With modernization, crafts became a commodity that allowed people to celebrate the days of old. The push to make crafts into a large scale business sometimes had deleterious consequences (Becker, 1998). Many women and children were exploited to perform repetitive tasks for little compensation. Unfortunately, many people are still abused in such a way in various areas of the world to this day… Recently came across a mildly successful story of women in Ghana making baskets that generate millions of dollars though the sharing of the profits is still far from adequate given the basic needs that they still have to make them more comfortable while working.

Crafts are still a source of pride for people in the Appalachian mountains and supply one of the few remaining manufacturing industries. Homemade crafts provide a greater sense of place for residents. A renaissance of crafts at the home level might reduce dependence on cheaply made products from afar, which often depend on exploited labor as mentioned above (Trestain, 1998).

This class describes a vast array of plants that have been used for various crafts in Appalachia. One goal of such a list is to encourage a further resurgence in Appalachian crafting as an industry but also in the home. The knowledge of what part of the plant to use, how to prepare it and time to harvest it are all essential details that can be found in the multitude of resources that are cited herein.

The diversity of craft industries traditionally practiced in Appalachia is extensive. A short list includes textiles, basketry, toys, musical instruments, furniture making, kitchen implements, pottery and other assorted knickknacks. Many types of dyes have been used to color textiles and wood products as well.

Important centers for the pursuit of crafts in Appalachia include Berea College, John C. Campbell Folk School, Penland School for Crafts, The Crossnore School, Pine Mountain Settlement School, and various places around Asheville NC (Eaton, 1973). The Biltmore Estate near Asheville was a particularly strong supporter of the crafts movement in times past. The Southern Highland Craft Guild has served as one of the main organizations for jurying art work and presenting a quality product to the public. The Appalachian Regional Commission  is a traditionally  strong supporter of the development of crafts (ARC Tourism Council, 2003). The U.S. Forest Service has also provided support for the development of craft industry (Nelson & Williamson, 1970). The Center for Craft Creativity and Design often in collaboration with Warren Wilson College is another good resource. Warren Wilson also has recently announced a Master’s degree program in craft.

Textiles

The manufacture of textiles has a long tradition in Appalachia. The typical plants that provided fiber include Cotton (Gossypium spp.) and Flax (Linum usitatissimum). Wool was also commonly used as well. Appalachians of European descent used spinning wheels and looms. Native Americans in the area originally did much of their weaving by hand to process fiber into textiles.

Other plants of the Appalachian region that can be used for fiber include Dogbanes (Apocynum spp.) Butterflyweeds (Asclepias spp.), Cattails (Typha spp.), Tulip Magnolia (Liriodendron tulipifera), Basswoods (Tilia spp.) and Yuccas (Yucca spp.) (Tim Manney, personal communication, October, 2009 and Doug Elliott personal conversation November, 2015).

i imagine that hemp must fit in somewhere as well though not familiar at this point with that.

Dyes

The history of natural dyes is a fascinating one (Robinson, 1969). Many dyes need a substance called a mordant to act effectively.  Mordants serve to prepare the material to take color and also help ensure color fastness. Color fastness applies to durability both due to the effects of washing and exposure to light. Some dyes are more color fast to light while others are more color fast to washing (Nicholson & Clovis, 1967). The use of different mordants also may give alternate colors from the same plant (Cannon & Cannon, 2003). Dyes that don’t need fixing, especially through toxic metal mordants such as chrome and tin, represent a potentially more sustainable alternative. These dyes require less foreign ingredients and have less chance of negative health effects. However, the dyes must first function well and hold their color if they may be considered fully sustainable. Some mordants such as tannins, iron, vinegar and even urine offer less toxic alternatives to heavy metals. A couple specific resources that i am familiar with are available to explore the chemistry of natural dyes specifically (Epp, 1995a, 1995b).

 The most important traditional dye sources in Appalachia were Indigo and Madder (Eaton, 1973). Indigo (Indigofera tinctoria and spp.) was combined with straw and sumac (Rhus) to make a dye cake for the color blue (Eaton, 1973). The cake was kept in an iron pot that was used continuously sometimes for decades. This process did not require a mordant. Indigo is also one of the most famous dye stuffs in the world (Alvarez, 2012; Balfour-Paul, 2000; Gerber, 1977; Van Stralen, 1993). It bears mentioning that other plant species are also called Indigo from the Baptisia genus.

Madder (Rubia tinctorum) was used by the Egyptians and the Spanish Moors and then introduced to the rest of the world by Holland. It produces various shades of red. Combined with Black Oak (quercitron) it produces a bright orange. It works on wool or cotton but both materials must be mordanted first. A wild type of madder is said to be native to Appalachia (Eaton, 1973). This is probably a plant in the Galium genus. Madder is another famous dyestuff worldwide with its very own literature (Chenciner, 2000; Greenfield, 2005; Murphy, 2005; Van Stralen, 1993).

Several areas of the world have specific resources in regards to natural dyes. One includes information for Japan (Nakano & Stephan, 1982). Another includes dyes from Hawaii (Krohn-Ching, 1980). While another is specific for the plants of the Northwest U.S (Green, 1975). The traditions related to Andean textiles have been studied more than a lot of other cultures (Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, 2013; Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, Franquemont, & Coca, 2013; D. Y. Arnold & Espejo, 2015; Callañaupa, 2005; d’Harcourt, 2002; Doig & Castro, 2005; Dransart & Wolfe, 2011; Heckman, 2003; Joslyn, 2013; Makowski, 2006; Mayolo, 1989; Meisch, 1997; Phipps, 2013; Rowe, Miller, & Meisch, 2007; Silverman, 2008; Simmons, 2014; Stone-Miller, 1995; Tidball, 1968; Young-Sánchez & Simpson, 2006, 2006; Zorn, 2004)..

Natural dyes are sometimes described as not holding their color as well as artificial ones (Dalby, 1985). However, when natural dyes fade, they retain the shade of the original color and a muted softness that many have found appealing (Eaton, 1973). Novel dye stuffs that don’t require mordants have at times been described (Samuel & Higgins, 1976).

Dyes from lichens in the Peltigera, Usnea, Rocella, Cladonia and Urcealaria genera have also been recorded (Krochmal & Krochmal, 1974). A few references for using  specifically do exist as well (Bolton, 1972; K. D. Casselman, 1994, 2001; K. L. Casselman, 2001a, 2001b; Gordon, 1980; Lindsay, 1855; McClure, 1992; McGrath, 1977). A few references refer to dyes from Mushrooms too (Bessette & Bessette, 2001; M. Rice, 2007; M. C. Rice & Beebee, 1980).

Several details are important to the dyeing process. Parts used may include roots, stems, leaves, fruit, bark, seeds or the whole plant. The time of year when the products are gathered is sometimes important. Some materials must be used at once, whereas others may be dried and stored. Wood ashes are sometimes also employed in the process.

Different dyes and different processes are appropriate for different fibers. Indigo and Madder are suitable for both wools and cotton. Wool is easier to dye than cotton and both are easier to dye than anything else (Leechman, 1943). However, other natural fabrics may be dyed including Jute (Corchorus spp.), Linen and Silk. Synthetic fibers will not accept natural dyes (Samuel & Higgins, 1976). All fabrics need to be washed prior to dyeing.

Common names of dyestuffs  that were cited by Eaton (1973) and not recognized by me or questionable on identity include Common dock (Rumex or Arctium?), Gorse bark (Ulex europaeus?), Bog myrtle (Myrica  or  Morella?), Iron wood, Kidney vetch, Meadow rue (Thalictrum?), Saw-wort, Stone crottle and Fustic (Maclura tinctoria?). Natural dyer Jenny Liles (1990) recorded many common names and traditional dye recipes from the past that might be of interest to historical period researchers. Types of dye stuffs, dye recipes and weaving patterns from the early 1800s have been collected by researchers as well (Bronson & Bronson, 1977).

Natural dyeing has an effusive literature that is perhaps a testament to its attraction and popularity (Adrosko, 1971; Arañas Spinners and Weavers Guild, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1973; Bliss, 1993; Böhmer, 2002; Buccigross, 2006; Callahan, 2010; Castino, 1974; Crook, 2007; Dalby, 1985; Davenport, 1976; Davidson, 1974; Dean, 1994, 1999, 2009; Delamare & Francois, 2000; Dronsfield & Edmonds, 2001; Dyer, 1976; Fereday, 2003; Flint, 2008; Hallett, 1992; Hardman & Pinhey, 2009; Kierstead, 1972; Kramer, 1972; Lambert & Kendall, 2010; Lathrop-Smit, 1978; Leechman, 1943; Lesch, 1970; Maile, 1969; McRae, 1993; Milner, 1971; Palmer, 1980; Reagan, 2003; Richards & Tyrl, 2005; Rudkin, 2007; Schultz, 1975, 1975; Senisi, 2001; Sugar & Myers, 2002; Thomas, 1980; Wenstob, Zarski, & Shawkense, 1978; Wickens, 1983)

 i have created a master list of dye plants as one product of my research. An analysis of the literature shows that many plants only appear singularly or within a few sources. Potential for further research includes compiling a list of all dye plants ever cited with requisite information about mordants, colors, nativity, color fastness, invasiveness, plant longevity, and other pertinent information. If only i could secure some funding for such an endeavor!

Major plant families that dye plants come from include the Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, Rosaceae, Ericaceae and the Betulaceae. The species name tinctoria or tinctorius implies that it is a plant used for dyeing and is always a good marker when looking through a list of plants.

Woodwork

Woodworking also has a long history in Appalachia and throughout the world. The trees most often used include Oak (Quercus spp.), Ash (Fraxinus spp.), Hickory (Carya spp.), Maple (Acer spp.), Walnut (Juglans spp.), Cherry (Prunus spp.), Linden (Tilia spp.), Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) and Pine (Pinus spp.). Eaton (1973) provided an example of the multiple uses of one type of tree by stating that hickory was used for mauls, tool handles, basket handles and for splints in basket making. He went on to say how hickory made good firewood that produced a useful soft light-gray ash. This ash could then be used for homemade soap and as an ingredient for dyes. Hickory bark is also exceptional for seat bottoms. Hickory poles can be used in broom making. The inner bark of hickory has been used for dyeing. Green wood of hickory has been employed in curing ham and the wood has also been added to maple syrup or even sugar syrup for flavoring.

A number of different trees have been used historically in Appalachian chair making. Most people would employ sugar maple (Acer saccharum) or Ash (Fraxinus) for the posts, Hickory (Carya) for the rounds and either White Oak (Quercus alba) or Hickory splints for the seats (Eaton, 1973). Other chair makers would employ Black Walnut (Juglans nigra), White Walnut (Juglans regia or J. cinerea?), Mulberry (Morus), Yellow locust (Robinia sp.?), Beech (Fagus grandifolia) and Birch (Betula). Walnut was used for rockers because it caused them to cling to the floor rather than creep like maple or hickory might do (Eaton, 1973).

Appalachian craftspeople are known for a diversity of other wood products. In the mid 1800s physician Francis Porcher (1970) offered a detailed account of useful woods and other plant items for crafts. Bowls were often made from Walnut (Juglans), Maples (Acer spp.), Cherries (Prunus) and Cedar (?) in Appalachia (Eaton, 1973). Boxes were made from the same and also Holly (Ilex) (Eaton, 1973). i have heard educator and earthskills enthusiast Natalie Bogwalker call Holly “spoonwood” and another friend refer to it as Appalachian ivory. Many other items for the kitchen were traditionally carved from wood as well. Carved figures were made from Apple (Malus) and other close grain woods. Tool handles are traditionally made from Ash, Hickory and Maple. Bobbins from Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) and Dogwood (Cornus florida) are traditional too (Eaton, 1973). Birdhouses and bird feeders are made in a multitude of ways from various types of woods. Different birds also flourish from different styles of houses and feeders (Adams, 2013; Kress, 2006; Roth, 1998).

Blow guns from native cane (Arundinaria gigantea) are an indigenous tradition as is crafting spoons, canes, forks and napkin rings from mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) (Eaton, 1973). A 1952 study delineated the contributions of Cherokees to Appalachian crafts of which most were wood products (Arnold, 1952). Cherry (Prunus) and Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) were the major woods used by people in the study. Novel woods not mentioned already but not understood to scientific name are Coca bola, Bass-lynn, Lignum vitae (Guaiacum?) and Locust. The use of 23 woods was documented in total (Arnold, 1952).

One novel application of a wood product entailed the use of Witchazel (Hamamelis virginiana) shavings to fill bed mattresses (Eaton, 1973). The Foxfire project described a money making modern example of woodworking in Rabun Co. GA. The artist used no dyes but employed various woods for different colors. Primary materials employed were Maple (Acer sp.), Walnut (Juglans), Cedar (?), Osage orange (Maclura pomifera) and occasionally exotic woods as well (Johnson, 2004).

Weapons

i would like to fill out this section more as time goes on. i am personally a peace loving vegetarian. That said i realize that everything in the world is food for something else and hunting in my estimation can be an honorable way to go about providing sustenance especially compared to the fossil fuel dependent and inherently unsustainable Industrial Food Complex of many places in the “modern” age. Animals like deer and turkeys are becoming overpopulated where i live and hunting them may help preserve the environment from being denuded as well as provide high quality meat. In regards to using weapons against people i am torn… Of course the ideal would be to have peace on earth forever. However, we are so far from that reality right now with the potential for things to get much, much, worse. Many areas of the world like the Australia, Canada, Japan, Western Europe and the USA are largely buffered from political problems like those from around Africa, the Middle East, Ukraine and Venezuela among many other places experiencing turmoil and conflict currently. However as further disruptions occur from climate, pollution, global economics, resource depletion, natural disasters etc i think many would be taken aback at how primal Lord of the Flies style our society might become rather quickly. i personally hope to be really good at a bow and arrow before that time may come to pass just in case.

In that regard coppiced plants have long been used to form the shaft of arrows. Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora) and Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboretum) are a couple woods that can be used in this regard. Darts for blow guns could be fashioned from Locust and Thistle (Bauman, 2004). Eustace Conway of Turtle Island has continued to fashion items in such a way up to the modern day. The blow gun itself can be formed from Rivercane (Arundinaria gigantea). Chippewa uses for  Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica) include tool handles, mauls and war clubs (Moerman, 1998).

Whittling and Carving

Whittling and carving has often been taken up by people in Appalachia at a very young age (Johnson, 2004). Plants served as the inspiration for various motifs (Eaton, 1973). Grains such as Wheat (Triticum), Rye (Lolium) and Oats (Avena) as well as Pine cones (Pinus spp.), Maple leaves (Acer spp.), Galax (Galax urceolata), Dogwood (Cornus spp.) leaves and various blossoms and berries have served as inspiration.

Barron Brown is a local wood carver outside Asheville, NC. At the Florida Earthskills gathering and the Firefly Gathering near Barnardsville, NC, he has introduced me to the wonder of spoon making. i now have a mission to carve spoons out of as many types of non-toxic wood that i can get my hands on. So far i have made spoons from Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), Basswood (Tilia americana), and Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra). Barron also gifted me with spoons made out of “Fat Lighter” the inner wood of (Pinus sp.) and Sabal Palm (Sabal sp.). My next spoon will be out of Empress Tree (Paulownia tomentosa) which is a highly prized wood in Asia but an exotic invasive in Appalachia. Eventually my spoon collection will hopefully grow to over 100 species with each having its own particular ritual use as well!

Appalachian carvers have used various types of wood to represent a vast array of animals and activities. Common woods used included Apple (Malus spp.), Basswood (Tilia sp.), Holly (Ilex spp.), Maple (Acer spp.), Walnut (Juglans spp.), Pine (Pinus spp.), Poplar (Populus spp.), Buckeye (Aesculus spp.), and Cherry (Prunus spp.). Carved animals have included dogs, chickens, lambs, mules, ducks, pigs, goats, geese, peacocks, bears, blue jays, canaries and cardinals. Many activities have been depicted as well including haying, sorghum making, grain sowing, dancing, preaching, wood splitting, cooking, plowing and hog killing.

In more recent times people of Appalachia have employed chain saws to make carvings especially of bears. I love the wood carving exhibition that happens every year outside Asheville at the Mountain State fair which features all sorts of wooden art.

Fire Starting

Fire is one of the first technologies developed by our ancestors. Yet how many people could start a fire today without the aid of petrochemicals and a convenient tool like lighters or matches? Bow drill fire starting is an art practiced at all the Earthskills gatherings i have gone to. The kit consists of a fire board a drill and a bow. Various plants are used to produce these items including Basswood (Tilia americana) for the fireboard and Yucca (Yucca filimentosa) for the spindle. A number of fungi have been used to carry embers and as tinder for fire as well including Fomes fomentarius and the famous medicinal Chaga (Inonotus obliquus).

Toys

Poppets used to be a common Appalachian toy. These dolls were made out of Buckeye (Aesculus) because of its smooth texture. Poke berry (Phytolacca americana) was used to color the cheeks (Eaton, 1973). Corn husks or corn shuck dolls are another type of typical Appalachian toy and known from other places as well (Ortiz & Parker, 1996; Rogowski & DeWeese, 1975; Wendorff, 1973). Sometimes the corn shucks have been dyed with natural dyes. Action figures have been portrayed as well including scenes of milking, sledding, horseback riding, cattle driving, butter churning, etc. Scenes have been constructed to recall fairy tales, the nativity, and barnyard vignettes. Miniature furniture was also constructed. Mahogany has been used for miniature chairs, in addition to the usual woods mentioned above, (Eaton, 1973).  Dolls made of dried Apples, Sweet potatoes, Cucumbers and Hickory nuts are traditional constructions as well (Aldrich & Young, 1971; Eaton, 1973; Wigginton, 1980). An extensive collection of toys and how they were made were featured in one of the Foxfire books (Wigginton, 1980).

Musical Instruments

Fiddles have been fashioned from wood, but also of corn stalks and gourds (Wigginton, 1980). Curly maple (Acer) is one wood of choice for the construction of fiddles (Eaton, 1973). Banjos, which are originally from Africa, were also constructed from gourds (Carlin, 2007, 2016; Conway, 1995; Mazow, 2005; Wigginton, 1975).  Horns, bugles and drums have been made from Gourds as well. Dulcimer construction traditionally depends on Walnut (Juglans) though occasionally also Birch (Betula) Maple (Acer), Holly (Ilex spp.) and Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) Eaton (1973). Both settlers and Native Americans have used rivercane (Arundinaria spp.) to make flutes and pipes.

Baskets

Broom sedge (Andropogon virginicus), Wheat (Triticum aestivum), Corn husks (Zea mays), Corn stalks, Rye straw (Lolium sp.), Willows (Salix spp.), Rushes (Juncus spp.), Rivercane (Arundinaria gigantea), Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.), Pine (Pinus spp.) inner bark, Hickory bark (Carya spp.), Willow bark, and Pine needles are all traditional for basketry. Splint baskets commonly come from Oak (Quercus spp.), Hickory (Carya spp.) and Ash (Fraxinus spp.). Other trees that have documented use include Elms (Ulmus spp.), Northern white Cedar (Thuja occidentalis), Buckeye (Aesculus), Basswood (Tilia), Boxelder (Acer negundo) and Cypress (Hart & Hart, 1978).

Exotic materials like Raffia (Raphia farinifera) and Reeds were only employed on occasion in Appalachia. Basket dyeing mostly only became a practice with the resurgence of the arts and crafts movement. The organizers of Allanstand cottage industries, in Asheville, NC, were pioneers of commercial basket dyeing (Eaton, 1973). However, Cherokee basket makers use dyes including Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), Butternut (Juglans cinerea) and Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) (Brosi, 2010). The Cherokee tribe has some information on craft traditions on their website and that of the preservation foundation as well.

Natural dyes were historically employed more than commercial ones and sometimes came from the same plant source as the basket.  Hindman settlement school is particularly known for baskets. Dyes sources included Hemlock (Tsuga) and Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) (Eaton, 1973).

Exotic invasive plants may be employed for the use of basketry as well. Wisteria (Wisteria spp.), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), English Ivy (Hedera helix) and Kudzu (Pueraria montana) are plants with documented use (C. Hart & D. Hart, 1978; TerBeest, 1988). However, seeds of exotics should not be spread in the harvesting for such purposes. Using exotic invasives is more favorable than stripping the forest of slow growing natives such as Grape vines (Vitis spp.) and Dutch man’s pipe (Aristolochia spp.).

Many other materials have also been employed for basket making. Three grasses that are mentioned explicitly for basketry are tall Redtop (Tridens flavus syn. Triodia flava), Broombeard (Andropogon virginicus) and common Reed (Phragmites australis  syn Phragmites communis) (C. Hart & D. Hart, 1978). Other materials are the soft Rush (Juncus effusus) various Irises (Iris pseudacorus, I. sibirica, I. versicolor) and Daylilies (Hemerocallis fulva) (C. Hart & D. Hart, 1978). Forsythia (Forsythia) is a common landscape plant that has been listed for basketry use (TerBeest, 1988). Cattails (Typha spp.) are yet another material useful for basketry as well (Gallinger & Benson, 1975).

Basket making is a universal and very diverse field in human culture. Allanstand Cottage industries alone made around 40 different styles at one point (Eaton, 1973). Some basket styles have whimsical and imaginative names and may become family heirlooms. Particular patterns have been passed down from generation to generation and sometimes were endemic to certain locales (Hill, 1997; Irwin, 1982; Stephenson, 1977; Trestain, 1998; Weaver, 1971).

Basket maker Charlene Trestain (1998) researched the relation of various cultures to Appalachian willow work and how it relates to sustainability and sense of place. Basket Willow (Salix viminalis), Crack Willow (Salix fragilis), American Willows (Salix spp.), and Almond Willow (Salix amygdaloides) are described as the most useful types. American willow is apparently the most used species in the world for basketry. However, the tradition of willow basket making is thought to have come from Europe (Trestain, 1998). Basket making has been a featured workshop at the annual Firefly Gathering outside Asheville, NC over the last few years with crafters such as Emily Jernigan, James Price, Mateo Ryall and Nancy Gildersleeve. People that Emily cites as her teachers of basketry include Emma Jackson Garrett  Peggy Patrick, JoAnn Kelly Catsos, April Stone Dahl, April Winchell, Zac Fittipaldi and Louise Langsner.

The Cherokee mostly used White Oak (Quercus alba), River Cane (Arundinaria gigantea) and Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) for basket making according to one study (Arnold, 1952). One journal article cover specifically the tradition of using Rivercane (Coyle, 2010). These woods were often dyed in preparation for basket construction. The Cherokee styles initially differed from techniques brought over from Europe. However, over time the styles sometimes blended together (Trestain, 1998). Researcher Sarah Hill (1997) completed a more modern in depth analysis of Cherokee basket making traditions. She noted that the use of Maple was incorporated into the three materials mentioned above while many style innovations happened in the mid 1900s to improve marketability. There is another book resource i have come across for Cherokee basket traditions as well (Fariello, 2009). One resource looks specifically at the use of White Oak in Appalachian baskets (Law & Taylor, 1991).

Potpourri

The sense of smell sometimes triggers memories like nothing else will. The craft of making potpourri crosses into the realm of aromatherapy that is yet another subject all its own (Bell, 2002; Keville, 2009; Keville & Green, 2008; Price & Price, 2011). Potpourri may be of a dry type or a moist type. Moist types tend to keep their scent longer. The same plants are employed for both (Fettner, 1977).

Suitable plants that may be grown in Appalachia and the temperate world in general include Sweet Annie (Artemisia annua), Rose (Rosa spp.), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), and many plants in the mint family. Good fragrant rose species include Rosa centifolia, R. × damascena, and R. gallica. Violets (Viola spp.), Magnolias (Magnolia spp.), and other plants are used to add bulk, form, and color to dried collections. Lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla syn Lippia graveolens) and Rose Geranium (Pelargonium capitatum) are both typical houseplants that may be employed. Potpourri makers use Eastern red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) to provide aromatic oils. The Lichens mislabeled commonly as Oak moss (Evernia prunastri) and Reindeer moss (Cladonia rangiferina) are used in powder form to fix scents. Calamus root (Acorus calamus) is a native or naturalized plant that is used to fix scent similar to the exotic Orris root (Iris germanica var. florentina) (Fettner, 1977).

Other exotic substances are typically used in combination with the ones mentioned above. Some other plants used include Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp. and Cassia spp.), Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), Allspice (Pimenta dioica) and Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans). Gums and resins of exotic origin used to fix scents include Frankincense (Boswellia spp.), Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), Balsam of Peru, Balsam of Tolu, Storax, and Gum Benzoin from Styrax spp. of Asia. A type of storax can be found from the Appalachian native sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) though this is not mentioned in the literature. We also have native Styrax spp. as well though i am not familiar with the use of their resin either. i wonder if potential for using native resins from Pines, Spruces, and other plants may exist. Scents of animal origin including musk from the Musk deer, ambergris from the Sperm whale and castorium from the Civit cat are all often used to add complexity and further fix smell (Fettner, 1977).

Temperate aromatic plants tend to fall into the Mint (Lamiaceae), Aster (Asteraceae), Carrot (Apiaceae) and Lily families (Liliaceae) (Genders, 2001). Some outliers include the already mentioned Rose Geranium (Pelargonium capitatum) in the Geraniaceae, Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla) in the Verbenaceae, Roses (Rosa spp.) in the Rosaceae, Sweet flag (Acorus calamus) in the Araceae as well as Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum) in the Rubiaceae. Many fragrant plants can be grown in the Appalachian region (Bayard & Pesch, 1992).

Miscellaneous Crafts

Corn is useful for a multitude of purposes. Some examples not mentioned already include its use to make animals, bracelets, doormats, fans, flowers, hats hatbands, mattresses, napkins, necklaces, picture frames, rings, rope, screens, small fruits, toy guns, vegetables, (Eaton, 1973; Wigginton, 1980). Corn cobs are famous as a material for pipe making. The stringing of popped corn and other produce for decorations as traditional Christmas ornamentation is well known.

Various other assorted uses of the local Appalachian flora have also been employed. Chestnut (Castanea dentata), Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) and other barks have been used as house siding. Tulip poplar siding still remains popular today especially in the area of Linville Falls, NC. An Appalachian practice of arranging seeds, pods, berries, leaves and cones into interesting forms carries the whimsical name of “wood pretties” (Weaver, 1971).

The use of wood for heat is a type of craft as well. Different woods tend to have various qualities in regards to splitting and heat efficiency. Shagbark and other Hickories are choice as well as Black Birch, Beech, Sugar Maple and Oak whereas Red Maple, Sycamore and Elm are not so great (Vivian, 1976). Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is legendarily great firewood where i live. Pine should only be burned as kindling and a last resort as the resins make it go up quick and can built up as creosote and potentially lead to chimney fires (Vivian, 1976).

Wreathes represent a tangible and marketable way to arrange craft items in a portable fashion. Conifers and Hollies are a couple classic backbones. Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) is another popular plant but now discourage due to its potential invasiveness.

Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) was often employed on a commercial scale to tan leather. Gourds (Cucurbita spp.) and (Lagenaria siceraria) were used to make dippers as well as other items already mentioned.

Many other fanciful items can be created from other native and naturalized materials growing in Appalachia. Cattails (Typha spp.), Jimson Weed (Datura stramonium), Rose hips (Rosa spp.), Teasels (Dipsacus fullonum), Sweet gum balls (Liquidambar styraciflua), and Willow galls from (Salix  spp.) all offer potential for the imaginative crafter (Aldrich & Young, 1971). All manner of nuts, cones and seeds may be employed as well. Many such items can be used in combination with fruits, suet, peanut butter and molasses to craft bird feeders (Roth, 1998). One author in Foxfire 12 describes the process of making rose beads from petals (Hughes, 2004).

A U.S. Forest Service publication contains 26 minor craft plants and 32 types of major craft plants harvested mostly from the wild in the Appalachian region (Nelson & Williamson, 1970). The major plants listed are mostly used for greenery around Christmas and include various members of the Pine (Pinaceae), Holly (Aquifoliaceae) and Rhododendron (Ericaceae) families. Other plants mentioned include those with attractive fruits such as Oaks (Quercus spp.) and Sweet Gums (Liquidambar styraciflua). Boxwoods (Buxus sp.) are also described for their foliage as well as their part in the Appalachian nursery industry.

Non-timber forest products

The term Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) is used to define items that come from the forest but not from sawn lumber. These products typically fall into four categories: edible, specialty wood based, floral/decorative and medicinal (Chamberlain, Bush, Hammett, & Araman, 2002). Representatives of the U.S. Forest service sometimes use the term special forest products (SFPs) (Emery, Ginger, Newman, & Giammusso, 2002). However, the term NTFP seems to have the most traction with the public and the literature. Many craft items mentioned above fall under such classifications.

Appalachia has a rich history in the use of NTFP items. Only recently however, has the prevalence of use, economic potential and impact on the environment become known. Researchers for the Forest service have started to investigate the phenomenon of NTFP harvesting on federal lands in earnest in just the last 15-20 years. The harvest of NTFPs represents a multi-million dollar industry for just a few choice products alone. The U.S. Forest Service commissioned a report characterizing the gatherers for the whole eastern part of the U.S. (Emery et al., 2002). An economic analysis of NTFPs in southwestern Virginia has also been published (Greene, Hammett, & Kant, 2000). The Forest Service has also looked at NTFPs in the U.S. as a whole (McClain & Jones, 2005). Researchers A. L. Hammett and James Chamberlain have produced a plethora of publications dealing with this important subject over the last ten years (Frey & Chamberlain, 2016; Kruger & Chamberlain, 2015). Still, much study remains to be done on the role of NTFPs in Appalachia and around the world.

Dried flowers as crafts

Dried flowers for arrangements offer another mode of incorporating nature into crafts (Hillier & Hilton, 1986; Kraska, 1995; Petelin, 1988). Many of the best dried flowers are not native or naturalized in Appalachia but can be easily grown as annuals. Some examples include Statice (Limonium spp.), Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena spp.), Celosia (Celosia spp.) Honesty (Lunaria spp.), Pigweed (Amaranthus spp.) and Strawflower (Helichrysum spp.). Some plants will naturalize locally without seeming to spread much such as Poppies (Papaver somniferum), Love in a Mist (Nigella damascena) and Larkspur (Delphinium sp.). Choice native and naturalized plants include many members of the Grass (Poaceae), Mustard (Brassicaceae), Mint (Lamiaceae), Amaranth (Amaranthaceae) and Aster (Asteraceae) families.

Fresh flowers

Fresh flowers represent another type of craft industry for Appalachia. Many traditional cut flowers are annuals that are neither native nor naturalized in this area. Some choice examples include Zinnias (Zinnia spp.), Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii), Dianthus (Dianthus spp.), Red hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria), Lupines (Lupinus spp.) and Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis). Lawrence Griffith (2008) conducted extensive research on the flower types used in the early period of American establishment. This work may be of assistance to people trying to recreate historical period gardens. A number of good modern guides cover growing flowers for market (Benzakein, Chai, & Waite, 2017; Byczynski, 2008; Newbery, 2015; Nolan, 2019). Choice cut flowers that are native and naturalized tend to occur in the Mint (Lamiaceae), Aster (Asteraceae), Carrot (Apiaceae), Amaranth (Amaranthaceae), Grass (Poaceae), Buttercup (Ranunculaceae), Brassica (Brassicaceae) and Lily (Liliaceae) families. How to arrange flowers is and art of its own of course (Hillier & Hilton, 1986; Webster, 1968).

Overview of Appalachian/Temperate Craft Plants

Trees are the most useful plants for crafts. Close behind these are corn (Zea mays) and Gourds (Cucurbita spp.). Hundreds of plants have a history of use as natural dyes. Looking through craft books of old brings to mind the amount of time necessary to create some of the projects formerly made.

It would be hard to label some crafts as profitable in an economic sense without marketing such products to a high class clientele with considerable disposable income. Nonetheless, even some very time consuming projects might still be considered profitable in the energetic, social, and psychospiritual sense when carried out under the auspices of hobbies and practiced with family and friends. The use of crafts with children in particular is an age old way of connecting them with the natural world and developing imagination. Taking time to slow down and appreciate the abundance and diversity of the natural world is something that is beneficial for all. Therefore, crafts can provide therapy and meditation as well as good times and possibly financial income (Platt, 1996).

The diversity of Appalachian flora offers an almost limitless supply of potential for the conscientious and creative crafter. Attention to using items that are in large supply and not spreading exotic invasives such as Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) are essential aspects of making such a practice sustainable. The plants enumerated here only hint at the diversity that denizens of Appalachia have employed in the pursuit of crafts. However, those listed also probably reflect a large quantity of the most preferred plants for various uses and thereby may offer a starting point for potential crafters and further research.

For the next class we will cover the topic of Phytoremdiation and it will be posted around October 18th

Below are items to think about/comment on. Please write me directly at marc@botanyeveryday.com or comment at Facebook group

I WOULD REALLY LOVE TO HEAR WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY!!!

 Check out this great link on natural dyes by the Forest Service http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/ethnobotany/dyes.shtml

- Make a list of the plants around you that you can use for crafts and share that info with some people

 - Use this knowledge to actually create something for yourself or someone special.

 -Look up some of the families mentioned in this post in Botany in a Day and share some information about them with the group or provide information from your personal experience

 - Attend a workshop or a class and write up a brief description of plants or information learned.

- Post any clear photos of question plants to Facebook or send in an email.

Praises to all that have donated to the cause!!! i encourage everyone reading this to donate as they are able financially, commentarialy, or energetically... Your contributions greatly help me continue this crucial work of ethnobotanical research and education. Please let me know your thoughts in general and any way i can help this class serve you best.

Thanks, marc

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