An Illustrated Fall forage at Anker with Matt

Anker
5 days ago
3 min read

On a lovely fall afternoon (October 22, 2025), I foraged Anker Park for plants and fungi, whose color and/or texture might visually enhance an autumnal wreath. The wreath-making was part of an October 25th fundraiser for Gaza that we hosted with Manette Flower Co. and Kitsap Palestine Solidarity Coalition.

That event included a screening of Jumana Manna's film, Foragers, which depicts the dramas around the practice of foraging for wild edible plants in Palestine/Israel. Native plants and fungi enhance human life in countless ways - from providing sustenance to shaping cultural identity. A quick, photo-taking romp on the Anker grounds revealed dozens of precious organisms specific to our part of the world.

Of course, Anker is located on the traditional homelands of the S'Klallam and Suquamish peoples. Plant and fungi descriptions are a mix of traditional and/or current usage gathered from various sources, but importantly, if inspired to gather or consume plants, do so at your own risk!

Plant names in Twulshootseed are thanks to the Puyallup Tribe of Indians' online dictionary.

Big Leaf Maple

[č’uɫac]

Acer Macrophyllus

Historically, this native tree’s bark was infused in tea to treat sore throats, and its early spring flowers are delicious in salads. It’s also been called the paddle tree, since its wood is perfect for making canoe paddles. Today, this maple's wood is also prized by guitar manufacturers.

Nootka Rose

[c’k’apaʔac]

Rosa nutkana

This native rose’s prominent hips, which are rich in vitamins A, C and E, can be used in teas or eaten, though hairs around the seeds can irritate some stomachs. The roots and bark have also been used medicinally.

Western Sword Fern

[sx̌ax̌əlčac]

Polystichum munitum

New fiddleheads can be eaten, while young fronds and roots have been used to address skin and digestion problems. Mature fronds can line baskets and form bedding.

Pacific Golden Chanterelle

Cantharellus formosus

Historically, some indigenous communities avoided mushrooms, due to poisoning risk. Others, however, ate chanterelles both fresh and dried.

Salal

[t’aqaʔac]

Gaultheria shallon

The sweet, dark berries can be eaten fresh, and the thick and waxy leaves can be turned into tea, used to line cooking pits or as an impomptu for drinking.

Menzies' Moss

[qʷədᶻəbac]

Neckera menziesii

Various types of moss have been used as medicine, bedding, and to line baby's diapers, thanks to its absorbent properties.

Pacific Crabapple

[qaʔxʷac]

Malus fusca

The only apple native to our area, its fruit makes a good winter jam or preserve. The tree's tightly intertwined wood grain made it ideal as a club, wedge or digging stick. It can also be used to help peel cedar bark.

Woods Strawberry

[t’iləqʷac]

Fragaria vesca

This native strawberry can be eaten fresh or dried, in both teas and as juice. While this semi-evergreen groundcover's heaviest fruiting occurs during summer, also be prepared for a Fall surprise!

Pearly Everlasting

[k’ʷəlwas ʔə kʷi sqiqədᶻuhap]

Anaphalis margaritacea

Found from northern California to southern British Columbia, this native plant has been used medicinally for a range of ailments, as well as to create incense and dyes. It's white and yellow flowers are wonderful in dry bouquets.

Western Hemlock

[t’əq’ədiʔac]

Tsuga heterophylla

This tree’s bark can be used as a food source, incorporated into clothing and used as a dye. In areas where herring spawn, large boughs were placed into the water where fish would lay eggs amidst its short, feathery needles.

Serviceberry

[q’ʷəlastəbac]

Amelanchier alnifolia

This hardy shrub was historically an important food source, as well as having reported medicinal and ceremonial value.

Evergreen Huckleberry

[q’ʷq’ʷəl]

Vaccinium ovatum

This variety of native huckleberry is used as food, both fresh or dried, as fruits often remain into winter.

Pacific Madrone

[qʷuƛ’əc]

Arbutus menziesii

The leaves and inner bark of this curious and native tree have been chewed for toothache and stomach problems. The leaves can also be used as a flavor additive and preservative.

Lichen

[xʷq’il’təd ʔə wəlis]

Lichens are composite organisms that come in many colors and forms. They survive by absorbing water from the air. Historically, the prominent lichen called "Oldman's beard" was dried and used to start fires.

Black Hawthorne

[čibidac]

Crataegus douglasii

A very important and useful tree native to the Pacific Northwest. A beautiful cloud of white flowers in May is followed by red berries. In fall, those fruits turn black and can be dried, stewed or fermented for jam. Like apples and pears, its seeds contain cyanide and should not be eaten.