1600 Paradise Valley Rd, Brackendale, BC V0N 1H0, Canada
Scouring rush is a plant that can be found at our inquiry spot. Devyn grew up in North Vancouver and went to the Cheakamus center while she was a child. The first time we explored this spot, Devyn had identified this plant as one of the plants she had recognized from the Indigenous knowledge at the long house. In grade 3, she recalls using this plant as a toothbrush. While on CFE at Cheakamus center in Squamish, BC, Devyn and Brianna had the opportunity to work in the longhouse and learn local Squamish Nation plant knowledge. During our daily cedar walks, the Indigenous cultural worker would explain the uses of local Indigenous plants. One of these plants was a scouring rush, the same one that Devyn had initially identified on the first day. Matt, a local Squamish First Nation cultural leader for the Cheakamus centre taught us about the traditional uses of scouring rush. Some interesting facts we learned:
- Scouring rush can be used as a very fine sandpaper
- Traditionally used as a toothbrush, however, it is not recommended to be used as a toothbrush now as the fine silicas can ruin your enamel.
- Is a munchy snack for local elk in the winter months!