Recognizing a gymnosperm is relatively easy. Look for the “Pine Trees” (or, more properly, the conifers). But take note that while many refer to any conifer, or evergreen, as a Pine Tree there are really three botanical families represented in our area: the Pine, Cypress, and Yew families. So, “Pine” means “Pinus” and “Pine family” means “Pinaceae.” As this is my first SurvivalCache article on the subject, I am focusing on the area I know best- the Northeast (particularly that which is centralized in the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania tri-state area, or the Delaware River valley) to discuss some species and introduce some basic botany and survival considerations. For future posts I will discuss other regions of the country.
The Cypress family has Taxodium (Bald Cypress), Thuja (Arbor-vitae), Chamaecyparis (Atlantic White-cedar), and Juniperus (Juniper and Red Cedar). There are many medicinal uses of species in Cupressaseae, but it should be regarded as less edible in general than the Pine family. Thuja essential oil, for instance, is considered quite toxic.
The Yew family is mostly found in landscapes as our native Taxus (Yew) is over-browsed by deer. English and Japanese domestic varieties are quite common under cultivation and sometimes naturalize (spread into the wild from cultivation). Yews are toxic. So, to avoid poisoning, the beginner should quickly learn the difference between Yews and the others, especially the Hemlock and Fir that superficially resemble Taxus because of the leaf (needle) arrangement. The red “berry” of Taxus is edible, but not the seed (which is actually visible, indicating it is a gymnosperm, in the cup-shaped “berry”). It is very common for poisonous plants to concentrate toxins in the seeds while producing an innocuous fruit.
The Pines and Yews have needles while the Cypress family has scale-like leaves. (One exception to this generalization is Bald Cypress, which has needle-like leaves that alternate on deciduous terminal twigs.) They are all needle-like in a way, but you will notice the scale quality in the Cypress family, such as with Juniperus or Thuja. If you then learn to recognize the Yew needles (which are rare in the wild anyway), the remainder varieties of needles can be known as belonging to members of the Pine family.
SKIP AHEAD
Pinaceae – Pine Family
One of the easiest ways to get to know this family of trees is to get to know the individual genera: Pinus, Tsuga, Picea, Larix, and Abies of our area. Cedrus and Pseudotsuga are native to other parts of the country. Cathaya, Pseudolarix, Keteleeria, and Nothotsuga are native to China.
The Ojibwa used Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana) to to revive consciousness. Arthritis, muscle pains, sores, wounds, and pains associated with colds and febrile illnesses have all been treated with various Pinaceae species. Our most common native species, White Pine (Pinus strobus) and Pitch Pine (P. rigida) have been used extensively as wild food and medicine. Pines were a primary dietary supplement for winter as a source of vitamin C and to treat coughs, colds, and fevers.
Balsam Fir (Abies ballsamea) is used for coughs, colds, cuts, and sores. Its taste and aroma is quite pleasant. I would use Fir species much more commonly, except they are not abundant locally. Those in the Western states might readily fine useful and interesting Abies species nearby.
Tamarack (Larix laricina) is used for stomach, colds, coughs, fatigue, sores, soreness, and infections; and as a tonic for general health, laxative, and diuretic. Chippewa used infusion of bark for anemic conditions and poultice of inner bark for burns.
The various species of Spruce (Picea) have been used like others from the Pine Family for colds and other general uses. The pitch in particular is favored as fire-starting material and for topical medicinal application, such as in the case of boils, infections, and cuts.
Cupressaceae – Cypress Family
A Red Cedar sapling that died after getting shaded out by taller-growing trees. The small, dead twigs are easy to remove to turn the tree into a staff , handle, or utility pole.
TAXACEAE – Yew Family
Related: 10 Tips for When You Get Lost in the Woods
It is easy to recognize Yew by the bright red berries (arils), which (as it is a gymnosperm) are open on the end, exposing the seed. The flesh of the fruit is the only edible part of the plant, but the seeds are highly toxic. T. canadensis and Pacific Yew (T. brevifolia) are used to make a pharmaceutical drug Taxol that is used to treat cancer. Natives used Yew to treat numbness in the fingers. Yew species can be recognized by their lack of aromatic properties that are present in Pinaceae and Cupressaceae.
Bibliography
The Plants of Pennsylvania by Ann Fowler Rhoads and Timothy A. Block
Iroquois Medical Botany by James W. Herrick
Native American Ethnobotany by Daniel E. Moerman