Lewis and Clark, also known as the Corps of Discovery, were a group of explorers led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark that set out on an expedition from St. Louis, Missouri to the Pacific Ocean in 1804. During their journey, they encountered and documented a large number of plants, some of which had never been seen before. In this article we will look at some of the plants that Lewis and Clark discovered during their expedition.Lewis and Clark discovered a total of 182 species of plants during their expedition. These included various species of trees, shrubs, grasses, herbs, and flowering plants. Some of the notable plants they discovered include the Pacific Yew (Taxus brevifolia), Western White Pine (Pinus monticola), Western Larch (Larix occidentalis), Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata). Lewis and Clark also documented a variety of edible plants that were important sources of food for Native Americans, such as wild cherries, blackberries, strawberries, huckleberries, serviceberries, and many other fruits and berries.
Common Plants Discovered by Lewis and Clark
Lewis and Clark’s expedition in 1804 was one of the most important exploration expeditions in the history of North America. Throughout their travels, they discovered many new species of plants and documented them for future generations. Some of the common plants discovered by Lewis and Clark are listed below.
American Ginseng
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) was one of the most important plants discovered by Lewis and Clark. This plant was traditionally used by Native Americans as a medicinal herb, and it became an important commercial crop during the early 19th century.
Lobelia
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) is a flowering plant that was used by Native Americans as a ceremonial medicine. It has been used to treat respiratory ailments, such as asthma and bronchitis. The plant was also used to induce vomiting or purging, which is why it is sometimes referred to as “Indian tobacco.”
White Oak
White oak (Quercus alba) is a type of deciduous tree that grows throughout much of North America. It is one of the most common hardwood species in the United States, and it has been used for centuries in furniture making, flooring, construction, firewood, and more.
Black Walnut
Black walnut (Juglans nigra) is another common tree species that was discovered by Lewis and Clark during their expedition. This tree has been valued for its wood since ancient times, and its nuts are also edible. Today, black walnut wood is still used in furniture making, cabinetry, flooring, and other applications.
Plants First Discovered by Lewis and Clark
The Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804-1806 was a major milestone in American history that paved the way for future explorations of the West. During their journey, the expedition members became the first Europeans to document many of the plants, animals, and landscapes of this region. As they traveled westward, they discovered many plants that had never before been seen by European settlers.
Some of the plants discovered by Lewis and Clark on their journey included western red cedar, ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, white spruce, red osier dogwood, red elderberry, and western juniper. These trees were largely unfamiliar to settlers from the East Coast or Europe at that time. Additionally, Lewis and Clark noted a variety of grasses such as bluebunch wheatgrass, Idaho fescue, bluebunch wheatgrass-Idaho fescue mix, bottlebrush squirreltail grass, needlegrass-bluebunch wheatgrass mix, and streambank wheatgrass.
The expedition also noted a variety of flowering plants including yarrows (Achillea millefolium), balsamroots (Balsamorhiza sagittata), sego lilies (Calochortus nuttallii), wild onions (Allium spp.), shooting stars (Dodecatheon spp.), lupines (Lupinus spp.), Western Wallflowers (Erysimum capitatum), prairie smoke (Geum triflorum), death camas (Toxicoscordion venenosum) California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), Indian paintbrush (Castilleja spp.), and many more species.
In addition to documenting these species for science and posterity, Lewis and Clark also used them for practical purposes such as making ink from elderberry juice or using yarrow leaves as bandages or salve for wounds. Their discoveries provided American settlers with an invaluable glimpse into the natural resources available in this region of North America.
Today many of these species are still widely found in the same regions where Lewis and Clark first discovered them over two centuries ago. The legacy of their discoveries continues to live on in both scientific study as well as our appreciation for these native plants that are so integral to our environment.
Unusual Plants Discovered by Lewis and Clark
Lewis and Clark’s exploration of the American west was a remarkable feat that exposed them to some of the most diverse landscapes in the world. During their journey, they encountered many plants that were new to them and even unknown to science. The expedition documented more than 200 species of plants, many of which were unfamiliar to botanists at the time.
One such plant is the Lewis and Clark bean, which is a type of wild pea native to western North America. It was discovered in 1805 by Meriwether Lewis along the banks of the Missouri River. The plant has since become an important food source for wildlife in its native range.
Another unusual plant discovered by Lewis and Clark was the large-headed clover (Trifolium macrocephalum). This species was first identified on their journey when they noticed its distinctive flower heads with large yellow petals. It is now found in parts of California, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Utah.
The expedition also found several species of cactus during their travels, including Prickly Pear (Opuntia polyacantha), Beavertail Cactus (Opuntia basilaris) and Fishhook Cactus (Sclerocactus parviflorus). These cacti are important sources of food for wildlife as well as humans and have been used for centuries by Native Americans for medicinal purposes.
Perhaps one of the most unusual discoveries made by Lewis and Clark was that of the giant wildrye grass (Leymus cinereus). This grass can reach up to 12 feet tall and is native to much of western North America from northern Mexico up into Canada. It provides shelter for a variety of wildlife species such as birds and small mammals.
The exploration undertaken by Lewis and Clark resulted in some remarkable discoveries, including numerous unusual plants that were either unknown or not yet known to science at the time. These plants continue to play an important role in our ecosystems today, providing habitat for wildlife as well as food sources for humans.
Lewis and Clark’s Discovery of Medicinal Plants
The Lewis and Clark Expedition was an expedition commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson in 1804 to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory. Led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the expedition was tasked with exploring the territory from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean. During their journey, Lewis and Clark discovered a variety of medicinal plants that could be used for a number of ailments.
The most well-known medicinal plant discovered by the expedition is Echinacea, commonly known as purple coneflower. This plant has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, flu, skin infections, and even snake bites. The expedition also collected specimens of Eupatorium perfoliatum, otherwise known as boneset or thoroughwort. This plant has been used to treat fever, sore throat, and other respiratory ailments.
Another medicinal plant discovered by Lewis and Clark was Aralia racemosa, commonly known as spikenard or Indian root. This plant was used to treat a variety of digestive issues such as stomach cramps and indigestion. Native Americans also used this plant as an insect repellent and for its antiseptic properties.
The expedition also discovered Asclepias syriaca, otherwise known as common milkweed or butterflyweed. Native Americans traditionally used this plant to treat asthma, bronchitis, sore throats, coughs, colds, fevers, skin rashes and wounds. It is still used today for its anti-inflammatory properties as well as its ability to reduce swelling in wounds.
The expedition also found Solidago canadensis otherwise known as Canadian goldenrod or Canadian arrow-root which has been traditionally used for its diuretic properties which were thought to help reduce inflammation in swollen joints or muscles due to arthritis or rheumatism. It is still commonly used today for its anti-inflammatory properties though it should not be taken by pregnant women due to potential risks associated with the diuretic effects of the herb.
These are just a few of the many medicinal plants discovered by Lewis and Clark during their journey across North America in 1804-1806 that are still being utilized today for their healing properties. These plants have helped shape our understanding of traditional medicine and have provided us with powerful natural remedies that can be used in place of modern pharmaceuticals when needed or desired.
Edible Plants Discovered by Lewis and Clark
The Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804-1806 encountered many edible plants during their journey across what was then the North American wilderness. Among the most notable of these were chokecherries, wild plums, buffalo berries, currants, and wild onions. The expedition also discovered a variety of nut-bearing trees like hazelnuts, hickory nuts, chestnuts, and walnuts.
These edible plants provided much-needed sustenance for the expedition members on their arduous journey from St. Louis to the Pacific Coast and back. In particular, buffalo berries were a godsend as they could be eaten raw or cooked into a thick soup or pudding. Wild plums were harvested in large quantities by the expedition members and dried for later consumption when food was scarce.
In addition to providing essential nutrition, edible plants discovered by Lewis and Clark served an important role in helping to build relationships with Native American tribes they encountered along the way. On several occasions, the expedition members shared dried fruits with tribes they met in exchange for goods or valuable information about local terrain and rivers.
The discovery of these edible plants is an integral part of the legacy of Lewis and Clark’s expedition. These plants played an important role in sustaining them on their journey as well as aiding them in building relationships with Native Americans they encountered along the way. As such, these edible plants remain some of the most memorable discoveries made by this famous exploration team.
Ornamental Plants Discovered by Lewis and Clark
During the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1804-1806, many ornamental plants were discovered. These plants included wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees. The expedition found an abundance of native plant species that are now available to landscape designers throughout the United States.
One of the most popular ornamental plants discovered by Lewis and Clark was wild blue flax (Linum lewisii). It is a low-growing perennial with white petals surrounding a blue center that blooms in late spring or early summer. It is drought tolerant and does best in full sun but can tolerate some shade. Wild blue flax is perfect for rock gardens or meadow landscapes.
Another popular ornamental plant from the Lewis and Clark Expedition is western hollyhock (Iliamna rivularis). It is an upright perennial with showy flowers ranging in color from white to pink to red that bloom in late spring or early summer. Western hollyhock prefers well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate some shade as well. These tall, beautiful flowers are perfect for adding height to any garden design.
Lewis and Clark also discovered several types of grasses during their expedition that make excellent ornamental plants today. Canada wild rye (Elymus canadensis) is a tall, tufted grass that grows up to three feet tall with drooping flower heads in midsummer. It prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade as well as moist or dry soil conditions. Canada wild rye makes a great addition to any garden design as it adds texture and movement when planted en masse or mixed with other native grasses like little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium).
The Lewis and Clark Expedition uncovered many ornamental plants that are now available for landscape designers throughout the United States. From wildflowers like wild blue flax to grasses like Canada wild rye, these native species offer beauty and diversity to any outdoor space while remaining drought tolerant and easy to care for.
Native American Uses of the Plants Discovered by Lewis and Clark
The expedition of Lewis and Clark led to the discovery of many new plants. Native Americans had been utilizing these plants for centuries, but their use was unknown to those in the East. After the expedition, they began to recognize the benefits that these plants had to offer.
Native Americans used many of these plants for medicinal purposes. Many tribes used willow bark as a pain reliever, believing that it had natural healing properties. Other tribes used plants like wild cherry bark and slippery elm to treat stomach ailments and respiratory infections.
Plants also provided an important source of nutrition for Native Americans. Wild rice was a staple food of many tribes in the Midwest and Eastern Canada, while yucca root was an important part of the diet in the Southwest. Acorns were also a source of protein for many tribes in California and other parts of the West Coast.
In addition to providing food sources, some plants were also used for crafting materials. Dogbane was used by many tribes to make rope, baskets, nets, and clothing; while cattails were commonly used as insulation in lodges and shelters. The leaves from white sage were also often made into bedding or placed on floors as a kind of carpeting.
Finally, some plants were used for ceremonial purposes by certain Native American tribes. Sweetgrass was burned during purification ceremonies, while tobacco was often smoked during prayer ceremonies or when seeking guidance from spirits or gods. These plants played an important role in preserving cultural traditions among Native Americans for centuries before their discovery by Lewis and Clark.
Conclusion
Lewis and Clark’s expedition was an incredible journey of exploration that resulted in the discovery of new plants across the United States. From the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, they identified a variety of species that had previously gone unrecognized and increased scientific knowledge about local flora. While they encountered a number of familiar varieties, they also gathered specimens for further study. The expedition provided valuable information that would be used for decades to come in botanical studies.
The discoveries made by Lewis and Clark are still celebrated today as a great achievement in American exploration and science. Their work not only expanded our understanding of plants but also paved the way for future generations to explore, study, and conserve our natural environment.
In conclusion, Lewis and Clark’s exploration provided valuable insight into plant species from coast to coast, making it one of the most influential expeditions in American history. Their discoveries have shaped our understanding of local flora and continue to inspire generations to come.