English

rush, arctic

Scientific Name

 

Juncus articus possibly other Juncus spp

Arapaho

hotohine?’

Rush and the Arapaho

Other: decorative. The black fibers of the plant of this name are used in embroidery in the traditional narrative where the named is cited. Grinnel records that the Cheyenne used the above species (Juncus balticus) in the same way: “from the rootstock...are developed very slender, fine rootlets which in earlier days were used in the ornamentation of robes or other leather, being sewed in patterns on the leather.” Based on the strong similarity of uses (with no other known Cheyenne plant being used in this way), the species identity seems very likely.