The
Koeye Estuary provides the perfect setting for a diverse collection
of flowering plants.
Wild Rose is abundant in the Koeye Estuary and orchids and lilies
provide a touch of colour to the lush green landscape.
Native plants include Springbank Clover, Pacific Silverweed,
Northern Riceroot or 'Indian Rice', Indian Celery, or Cow-parsnip,
Blue Lupine (Nootka Lupine), Wild Carrot or 'Indian Carrot' (Pacific
Hemlock-Parsley).
Along the edges of the river and under the cover of the rainforest,
the plant community changes to one of berry producing shrubs and
interesting woodland plants. Huckleberry, blueberry, salmonberry,
and thimbleberry are amongst the many berries that thrive here.
All of these plants were highly important vegetables for a number
of coastal aboriginal groups in British Columbia. These plants
were often carefully tended, and grown, and used sustainably providing
an important component of coastal people's healthy and diverse
food systems.
