Penstemon is perfect for our garden as it is native to the South Okanagan, is drought tolerant (although it prefers medium watering) and likes full sun to partial shade. It also grows well in rocky and dry areas.

It can grow as wide as 1m and between 0.5-2m tall.

Penstemon was selected as part of the Medicinal garden because of its traditional syilx use to treat numerous ailments. The na’ʔk’ʷulamən Garden Guide shares that infusions were created from the top of the plant to drink to treat colds, flu, headaches and gastrointestinal issues. An infusion could also be used on the skin to help against acne and scalp itchiness (this also could apply to animals). The raw roots could also be placed on a sore tooth - but not too often as that could damage the tooth!

This plant also attracts butterflies for pollination.

Yarrow grows locally and well suited for this environment. It has low water needs/is drought-tolerant once it is established, although it can also grow in moist soils. Yarrow is full sun-loving and can withstand hot temperatures.

Yarrow grows between 10-75cm tall and can spread via rhizomes to take up unoccupied space.

It has traditionally been used medicinally for multiple purposes. Yarrow can be added to a bath as an anti-inflammatory to help with arthritis and rheumatism. Drinking the steeped roots was traditionally used to aid against colds, stomach- and headaches as well as for treating diarrheas. A poultice of the roots could help soothe toothaches. Additionally, a warm water infusion of the steeped roots could be used as a wash for burns, rashes and as an eyewash.

It also attracts pollinators!

This plant grows naturally in the Okanagan. Being drought-resistant, it is well suited to grow with low maintenance. It also loves full sun. It grows on dry, rocky slopes, dry grasslands, in poor soil and also in Ponderosa Pine forests.

Prairie Sagewort can grow between 10-40cm tall and up to 40cm wide

This plant is in the medicinal garden, as traditional syilx uses, according to the na’ʔk’ʷulamən Garden Guide, include steeping tea from the leaves and branches to treat colds and flu. The whole plant could be boiled in water as a general health tonic. It could also be used in ceremonial practices or as an insect repellant.