More Common Wildflowers Around Albuquerque

Jimsonweed
Datura wrighti

Dinesh Valke

This ubiquitous but extremely poisonous perennial has a long history of Native ceremonial use across the Southwest. Called Toloache in Spanish, this nightshade wa once used to relieve asthma, and pain during bone-setting. It can also act as a strong hallucinogen and can produce intense visions. But the active alkaloids are deadly if the slightest bit over the medicinal dose is used, so this is not a plant to mess around with. The males of the Zuni tribe were once given a concoction of the plant as a rite of passage at 8 years old. The ones that survived were considered to have the strength and wisdom necessary for manhood.

Scorpion Weed
Phacelia integrifolia

Phacelia is a huge genus with species found mainly in the western North America, and are usually identified by blue/purple flowers in fanned-out coils that can resemble a scorpion's tail. Natives would use the plant by mixing powdered root or leaves with water and rubbing the paste on sprains, rashes, and swelling.

Sand Sage
Artemisia filifolia

This pleasant-smelling plant can be found all over Albuquerque and the surrounding desert. The stems are covered in thread-like leaves, that give the plant a soft feel. For this reason, it was commonly used as toilet paper by many Southwestern tribes. Sand sage is important for many animals, like Prairie dogs and burrowing owls who dwell in holes among the plants,while birds like sage grouse and quail use it for cover, nesting and food. The seed is sold commercially for revegetation and soil retention. Medicinally, it was used as a tea for stomach ailments, or the leaves were boiled and the steam inhaled to help with congestion.