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Museum Minute: Tall Fringed Bluebell

Plains Indian Museum

The Plains Indian Museum has a collection of pressed plants that were used for medicinal uses.

The book includes the tall fringed blue bell. Hunter Old Elk, the Plains Indian Museum curatorial assistant, said it’s a mountain flower. 

“It produces a purple bluish flower and the leaves are used and were consumed by nursing mothers to increase milk,” said Old Elk. 

It was also used to help relieve itching during the smallpox and measle outbreaks. 

“The roots were ground up and put on open, itching sores and created as a paste,” said Old Elk. 

Old Elk said it’s interesting to think about plants for medicinal use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kamila has worked for public radio stations in California, New York, France and Poland. Originally from New York City, she loves exploring new places. Kamila received her master in journalism from Columbia University. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the surrounding areas with her two pups and husband.