False Solomon's-seal (Smilacina racemosa)

Gitxsan name:  sgan k'ots or k'ots
Wet'suwet'en name: unknown

Botanical Description

• perennial with erect to stiffly arched stems, 0.3-1.0 metres tall
• broad, elliptical leaves, 7-20 cm long
• small, numerous creamy-white flowers in egg or pyramid shaped cluster, strongly perfumed
• round, red showy berries
• found in moist forests, streambanks, meadows and clearings, low to subalpine elevations

Photo courtesy of Frank Boas (50kB)

Ethnobotanical Description

The False Solomon's-seal was sometimes referred to as "Indian glads". The tiny sweet red berries were gathered in August, cooked and preserved in oolichan grease in bentwood boxes for the winter. As they are difficult to gather, they were only served to chiefs as a delicacy. The seeds present in the berries are also edible and can be mixed in with the berries. Eating too many berries at one time can cause diarrhea.

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This digital collection was produced under contract to the SchoolNet Digital Collection Program, Industry Canada.
Revised: 08/21/98