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Charcoal

Charcoal recovered from archaeological samples most often represents use of that type
of wood as fuel; however, several trees and shrubs had utilitarian and medicinal uses as well.
The presence of charcoal indicates that the trees and shrubs represented were present at the
time of occupation. If these resources were present and collected as fuel, it also is possible that
they were exploited for other purposes as well. The following paragraphs discuss plants
represented only by charcoal in the macrofloral record.

Adenostoma (Chamise, Red shank)

Species of Adenostoma found in California include A. fasciculatum (chamise) and A.
sparsifolium (red shank). These shrubs are found on dry slopes, ridges, flats, and in chaparral.
A. fasciculatum wood was used to make arrow foreshafts, bows, basketry, torches, as a
construction material, and as firewood. Wood coals are noted to have been used by the
Cahuilla as a favorite fuel source for roasting. A decoction of the leaves and branches was
used to bathe infected, sore, or swollen areas of the body. The seeds of A. sparsifolium were
eaten as food. Wood and roots were burned as firewood. Wood also was used to make
arrowheads and as a building material. Women’s skirts were made from the stripped bark. The
plant was used to make an external wash for arthritis. Leaves were used to make a beverage
for colds, ulcers, and chest ailments. A plant infusion was used to treat colic and as a
mouthwash for toothaches. An infusion of twigs was taken as an emetic and laxative for
treating stomach ailments and intestinal pain. The twigs also were pulverized, mixed with
grease, and used as a salve (Hickman 1993:946; Mead 1972:4; Moerman 1998:49).

Arbutus menziesii (Pacific Madrone)

Aesculus menziesii (Pacific madrone) is a widely branching tree with exfoliating bark and
red to orange berries. The berries were eaten raw, dried, or roasted, although the taste is noted
to be somewhat bitter. Both the Costanoans and the Miwok groups used this plant for food. The
Costanoans consumed the fruit in small quantities, while the Miwok used the berries as a beverage,
crushing them to create a sweet, unfermented cider. The cider was used as an appetizer to
stimulate the appetite and as a gastrointestinal aid. The berries also were dried and stored for
winter consumption, which were chewed, but never swallowed. The leaves could be chewed for
stomachaches and cramps. The leaves and bark were used to make a lotion for treating sores and
cuts. Arbutus menziesii is found in coniferous, oak forests, wooded slopes and canyons below
1,500 meters. It is often found in the company of Douglas-firs, oaks, and bays (Ebeling 1986:255;
Hickman 1993:545; Mead 1972:19; Moerman 1998:83; Westrich 1989:76-77).

Arctostaphylos (Manzanita)

Arctostaphylos (manzanita) is an evergreen shrub or small tree with purple or dark red bark
and red or brown berries. The dry berries were eaten raw, cooked, dried and ground into a meal,
or dried whole for future use. The seeds were parched and also ground into flour. Seeds and fruits
were soaked in water to make a drink. Dried Arctostaphylos leaves and bark, especially A. uva-ursi
(kinnickinnick), were mixed with tobacco (Nicotiana) leaves and smoked. Leaves also were brewed
into a medicinal tea that is reported to be good for kidneys, or boiled into a solution that was used
on cuts and burns. The wood was used in building houses and to make a variety of utensils. The
several species of manzanita are often found in dry habitats. A. glauca (bigberry manzanita) is

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