Jimson weed

Mormon tea

Coyote melon

Join Valerie Provencio on a field trip to learn more about medicinal plants of the Chihuahuan Desert. Native Americans living in the Chihuahuan Desert utilized their environment to the utmost. Not only has there been evidence of rock quarries for stone tool production, hunting camps and ceramics, but evidence of farming. The discovery of medicinal uses, remedies and other benefits of certain cacti and vegetation was essential for survival in this tough terrain.

“As a Southwest Archaeologist, I was always interested in the medicinal plant uses at the archaeological sites I worked on. I knew life was short and most likely painful for these prehistoric people. I learned that certain plants or cacti would provide relief from aches and pains.” - Valerie Provencio

Valerie will focus primarily on these plants:

1. Coyote Melon

2. Creosote Bush

3. Desert Willow

4. Jimson Weed

5. Honey Mesquite

6. Mormon Tea

7. Ocotillo

8. Prickly Pear

9. Sotol

10. Barrel Cactus

11. Lechuguilla

12. Yucca

Meet in the El Paso Museum of Archaeology parking lot, 4301 Woodrow Bean Transmountain Dr. (MAP)

Recommended field guides for your future exploration of the fauna of our region: