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Held by the Land: A Guide to Indigenous Plants for Wellness
Author Leigh Joseph, an ethnobotanist and a member of the Squamish Nation, provides a beautifully illustrated essential introduction to Indigenous plant knowledge.
Plants can be a great source of healing as well as nourishment , and the practice of growing and harvesting from trees, flowering herbs, and other plants is a powerful way to become more connected to the land . The Indigenous Peoples of North America have long traditions of using native plants as medicine as well as for food. Held by the Land honors and shares some of these traditions, offering a guide
Early chapters will introduce you to responsible ways to identify and harvest plants in your area and teach you how to grow a deeper connection with the land you live on through plants. In the plant profiles section, common plants are introduced with illustrations and information on their characteristics , range , how to grow and/or harvest them , and how to use them topically and as food. Special features offer recipes for food and beauty products along with stories and traditions around the plants.
This beautiful, full-color guide to Indigenous plants will give you new insights into the power of everyday plants.
Plants can be a great source of healing as well as nourishment , and the practice of growing and harvesting from trees, flowering herbs, and other plants is a powerful way to become more connected to the land . The Indigenous Peoples of North America have long traditions of using native plants as medicine as well as for food. Held by the Land honors and shares some of these traditions, offering a guide
Early chapters will introduce you to responsible ways to identify and harvest plants in your area and teach you how to grow a deeper connection with the land you live on through plants. In the plant profiles section, common plants are introduced with illustrations and information on their characteristics , range , how to grow and/or harvest them , and how to use them topically and as food. Special features offer recipes for food and beauty products along with stories and traditions around the plants.
This beautiful, full-color guide to Indigenous plants will give you new insights into the power of everyday plants.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published March 7, 2023
67 people are currently reading
1332 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 21, 2023
This book was a good introduction to the medicine plants in the Pacific Northwest, and how they are used in First Nations who call that area home.
June 3, 2025
What a gem of a book. Not only does Leigh Joseph spell out some wonderful harvest and preparation information, but she speaks at length about relationship with plants and the earth.
This was a library book, but it's going on my "must buy" list right now. As a forager who works in the land once lived on by the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people, it's an essential.
This was a library book, but it's going on my "must buy" list right now. As a forager who works in the land once lived on by the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people, it's an essential.
November 22, 2025
4.5. Beautiful book
January 23, 2023
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for the opportunity to read and review. Another really neat book on herbalism, especially from the perspective and knowledge of indigenous herbalism! Lots of takeaways and notes on cultivation are provided and if you are someone just beginning your herbalism/gardening journey this should definitely be a book to check out!
January 18, 2023
Note: received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I knew going into this book that I would not know many of the plants which are used in recipes and other daily uses. My relationship with plants are often tropical or in the southeast. However, I not only wanted to get to know the plants of the north west, but also get a perspective from an indigenous author from another tribe than I am used to reading. The first part of the book explains the principles of building relationships with the natural world and sustainably and sacredly harvesting and foraging in your own backyard. I learned more about the authors story, and some Squamish traditions of plants in the section even if I had already heard similar principles for harvesting before. The second half of the book is part field guide part recipe book. Overall I highly recommend this book whether one is new to foraging and harvesting, especially because the author includes warnings for possible, allergies and toxins, or for the experienced person wanting to listen to an indigenous voice, and her relationship with the land around her home.
I knew going into this book that I would not know many of the plants which are used in recipes and other daily uses. My relationship with plants are often tropical or in the southeast. However, I not only wanted to get to know the plants of the north west, but also get a perspective from an indigenous author from another tribe than I am used to reading. The first part of the book explains the principles of building relationships with the natural world and sustainably and sacredly harvesting and foraging in your own backyard. I learned more about the authors story, and some Squamish traditions of plants in the section even if I had already heard similar principles for harvesting before. The second half of the book is part field guide part recipe book. Overall I highly recommend this book whether one is new to foraging and harvesting, especially because the author includes warnings for possible, allergies and toxins, or for the experienced person wanting to listen to an indigenous voice, and her relationship with the land around her home.
November 16, 2023
Coming soon to: https://www.spiritboundpress.com/lite...
Leigh Joseph, ethnobotanist and founder of Sḵwálwen Botanicals has written this generously thorough and lovingly illustrated guidebook to Indigenous plants for the absolute beginner to the seasoned expert. With a focus on healing, wellness, and mindfulness, this volume explains common plants and their uses, their characteristics, how to grow and harvest them, ways to use them, and so much more. Joseph centers being in relationship with the Earth, the land, four-legged creatures, and one another in the respectful use of these plants and honors ancestry and tradition by sharing Squamish stories as complements.
Some of the plants featured can be used topically, while others can treat common illnesses and ailments. Still others can be eaten for their nutritional value or used as part of one’s beauty regimen. Joseph profiles trees, shrubs, and flowering herbs such as Western red cedar, Pacific crab apple, camas, stinging nettle, yarrow, lichen, licorice fern, beaked hazelnut, Devil’s club, and a variety of berries alongside beard lichen, common horsetail, licorice fern, and red laver. Recipes, a glossary, an appendix, a Squamish pronunciation guide, and steps to build your apothecary round out this helpful volume. (And coming soon: a Held By the Land Deck and Guidebook: 50 Ways to Use Indigenous Plants for Healings and Nourishment - watch for it!)
The Earth graciously provides her bounty to us all in myriad ways and will continue, so long as we care for her and each other in the process. By building botanical relationships, learning from plants, working with them mindfully and gratefully, and practicing sustainable methods, we can all prosper together. This book is the perfect place to begin a lasting friendship with plants!
Leigh Joseph, ethnobotanist and founder of Sḵwálwen Botanicals has written this generously thorough and lovingly illustrated guidebook to Indigenous plants for the absolute beginner to the seasoned expert. With a focus on healing, wellness, and mindfulness, this volume explains common plants and their uses, their characteristics, how to grow and harvest them, ways to use them, and so much more. Joseph centers being in relationship with the Earth, the land, four-legged creatures, and one another in the respectful use of these plants and honors ancestry and tradition by sharing Squamish stories as complements.
Some of the plants featured can be used topically, while others can treat common illnesses and ailments. Still others can be eaten for their nutritional value or used as part of one’s beauty regimen. Joseph profiles trees, shrubs, and flowering herbs such as Western red cedar, Pacific crab apple, camas, stinging nettle, yarrow, lichen, licorice fern, beaked hazelnut, Devil’s club, and a variety of berries alongside beard lichen, common horsetail, licorice fern, and red laver. Recipes, a glossary, an appendix, a Squamish pronunciation guide, and steps to build your apothecary round out this helpful volume. (And coming soon: a Held By the Land Deck and Guidebook: 50 Ways to Use Indigenous Plants for Healings and Nourishment - watch for it!)
The Earth graciously provides her bounty to us all in myriad ways and will continue, so long as we care for her and each other in the process. By building botanical relationships, learning from plants, working with them mindfully and gratefully, and practicing sustainable methods, we can all prosper together. This book is the perfect place to begin a lasting friendship with plants!
April 1, 2023
This is a sensitively-written and beautifully laid out book about trees and plants, their nutritional and medicinal uses, how to gather them, what to beware of. The author is of the Squamish people, hence the ethnobotanical nature of the book, and she draws on the indigenous wisdom regarding these plants. Although the book is centered on Washington state and nearby parts of British Columbia, the ecology and flora of the region, she notes that many of these trees and plants can be found from BC down the Pacific coast to California, and to some extent eastward.
The book's initial chapters focus on method, particularly an approach to harvesting that is sustainable and mindful. Her insights on observing the land, moving through it, respecting it are clear and in many ways reassuring: this is a holistic approach for individuals to see, gather, and utilize. She prescribes what the reader should have at home as an apothecary, that is, the tools and utensils to use in practice, for instance, the need for a good mortar and pestle.
The last half of the book devotes individual pages to individual trees, shrubs and herbs, and describe their nutritional or medicinal uses -- complete with recipes. Some are surprising: tree tips can add flavor to, say, a salmon dish. She also includes cautions about possible toxicity, even on plants that may be consumable at other times and seasons. In all, it's a comforting, and in its context and uses, practical guide, and a fascinating one, well laid out.
{Reviewed in a new edition from Amazon Vine.)
The book's initial chapters focus on method, particularly an approach to harvesting that is sustainable and mindful. Her insights on observing the land, moving through it, respecting it are clear and in many ways reassuring: this is a holistic approach for individuals to see, gather, and utilize. She prescribes what the reader should have at home as an apothecary, that is, the tools and utensils to use in practice, for instance, the need for a good mortar and pestle.
The last half of the book devotes individual pages to individual trees, shrubs and herbs, and describe their nutritional or medicinal uses -- complete with recipes. Some are surprising: tree tips can add flavor to, say, a salmon dish. She also includes cautions about possible toxicity, even on plants that may be consumable at other times and seasons. In all, it's a comforting, and in its context and uses, practical guide, and a fascinating one, well laid out.
{Reviewed in a new edition from Amazon Vine.)
February 8, 2023
This is an introduction to plant wisdom and ethical foraging by a Squamish author. It is very detailed in issues like sustainability and the Squamish relationships to the plants.
Profiles are provided for dozens of plants like horsetail, thimbleberry and fireweed, given with the Squamish names first and information about identification, uses and responsible harvesting. Each has a line drawing (no photos) and simple recipe. Some of the recipes are traditional while others seem to be newly created (two other people apparently helped create the recipes). Some of the recipes surprised me since I was expecting more traditional recipes. For instance, the elderflower cordial recipe calls for citric acid and there are a lot of modern ingredients like hemp hearts and chia seeds.
Joseph’s love and knowledge of her Squamish culture and of these plants comes through every page.
Keep in mind that it’s very specific to the plants in the Northwest U.S. Other than a very few plants like stinging nettles and wild roses, most of the plants listed were not ones commonly found in my part of the country. It will be an excellent resource for those who live in the area and for those who are new to ethical foraging.
I read a temporary digital copy of this book via NetGalley.
Profiles are provided for dozens of plants like horsetail, thimbleberry and fireweed, given with the Squamish names first and information about identification, uses and responsible harvesting. Each has a line drawing (no photos) and simple recipe. Some of the recipes are traditional while others seem to be newly created (two other people apparently helped create the recipes). Some of the recipes surprised me since I was expecting more traditional recipes. For instance, the elderflower cordial recipe calls for citric acid and there are a lot of modern ingredients like hemp hearts and chia seeds.
Joseph’s love and knowledge of her Squamish culture and of these plants comes through every page.
Keep in mind that it’s very specific to the plants in the Northwest U.S. Other than a very few plants like stinging nettles and wild roses, most of the plants listed were not ones commonly found in my part of the country. It will be an excellent resource for those who live in the area and for those who are new to ethical foraging.
I read a temporary digital copy of this book via NetGalley.
February 3, 2023
A Must have for Everyone who loves plants and responsibke harvesting.
I love the detail and care that is taken to teach the reader about the cultural significance of plants and the relationships had with nature over the years, the basics of harvesting, infusing oils and ways to make the dried plants useful in daily life. The lists of needed tools is also fantastic if you are not sure where to start. I also love and practice the mindfulness of being thankful to the plant and the earth for what I am harvesting. Doing this task with gratitude is a great way to respect nature and something I think more people need to do.
Once you are in the plant identification section, the breakdown remains amazing. From learning the Sqamish names of the plants to the recipes this truly is an amazing book to have on hand for a multitude of reasons.
I love the detail and care that is taken to teach the reader about the cultural significance of plants and the relationships had with nature over the years, the basics of harvesting, infusing oils and ways to make the dried plants useful in daily life. The lists of needed tools is also fantastic if you are not sure where to start. I also love and practice the mindfulness of being thankful to the plant and the earth for what I am harvesting. Doing this task with gratitude is a great way to respect nature and something I think more people need to do.
Once you are in the plant identification section, the breakdown remains amazing. From learning the Sqamish names of the plants to the recipes this truly is an amazing book to have on hand for a multitude of reasons.
March 8, 2023
I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
This book covers 44 plants focused mainly in the North West of the US. The author tells about their history and indigenous history with the plants. They then give information about how the plant can be used, how and when to harvest, and a recipe - for food or beauty products. They also include information about how best to interact with and honor the land. Each plant has the name in English and the language of her tribe.
I thought that this was an informative book. The information was good and expanded on basic information about the plants. The visual presentation is beautiful and draws the reader in.
This book covers 44 plants focused mainly in the North West of the US. The author tells about their history and indigenous history with the plants. They then give information about how the plant can be used, how and when to harvest, and a recipe - for food or beauty products. They also include information about how best to interact with and honor the land. Each plant has the name in English and the language of her tribe.
I thought that this was an informative book. The information was good and expanded on basic information about the plants. The visual presentation is beautiful and draws the reader in.
June 2, 2023
I think this book would be best in a print version. I thought it was a great accompaniment to a field guide and an already avid interest in plants of the PNW (specifically Squamish, but applicable to other areas as well). Much shorter than Braiding Sweetgrass, but still packed with a ton of anecdotes, cultural knowledge & learning, and packs a lot into a shorter book. Worth a read even if you don't plan on wild harvesting, gardening, or making any of the recipes - especially if you spend time outside on Indigenous lands.
May 16, 2024
LOVE IT TO PIECES.
Super important dialogue and wisdom around the relationships we have with nature and what it means to be in relation. What does it mean to harvest from our environment and what does it mean to love and be loved back, or held by nature. A treasure trove that is not lightly offered.
My only criticisms: the body text is quite small and I would recommend a magnifying glass if you're visually challenged like I am. I wish there were some photographs of the plants! The drawings are gorgeous but without photos, makes it harder to identify these plants.
Super important dialogue and wisdom around the relationships we have with nature and what it means to be in relation. What does it mean to harvest from our environment and what does it mean to love and be loved back, or held by nature. A treasure trove that is not lightly offered.
My only criticisms: the body text is quite small and I would recommend a magnifying glass if you're visually challenged like I am. I wish there were some photographs of the plants! The drawings are gorgeous but without photos, makes it harder to identify these plants.
November 11, 2023
My journey with this book has been a love affair. We met through the NDN Girls Book Club recommendation, we wooed when I borrowed it from the library. I am so smitten with this book! Part forage guide, part recipe book, part Native history and wisdom, it is a beautifully illustrated introduction to Native plant knowledge. I asked for my own copy for Christmas.
Learn more about the NDN Girls Book Club here: https://ndngirlsbookclub.org/
Learn more about the NDN Girls Book Club here: https://ndngirlsbookclub.org/
March 10, 2025
a beautiful book about natural surroundings and our connection to the land. This book explains the importance of reciprocity and then goes through many plants that can be used for wellness. Each plant is described with cautions, growing and harvesting, respecting the plant and then how the plant can be used “gifts” of the plant. Each plant section also has a recipe for food or health items. A gorgeous book for people wanting to learn more about plants and how to use them. 5/5
November 6, 2025
loved the personal connections shared throughout. Joseph shared just the right amount of info to get people started in their relationship with the included plants and in context with regional indigenous practice, something largely lacking in the typical Internet search for these plants and their cultural-health roles. I also loved the language inclusion throughout with both the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh spelling and the pronunciation guide.
December 29, 2023
What an amazing resource! As a fan of robin wall kimmerer, this book deeper and widened my understanding of indigenous botany, this time in the lands where I live. I am excited to use the knowledge in this book to develop relationships with the plants around me. I really appreciate the layout and structure of this book
March 21, 2024
Very good manual for respectfully harvesting some species native to BC. It contains the information you'd expect from a book on the topic. Most importantly, it approaches the harvesting using a biocultural approach. A lot of emphasis is placed on building relationships, while the structure of the book is that of a typical western book on harvesting.
February 21, 2023
I'm SO excited to be able to use this book with my students. It's the perfect "next book" after Braiding Sweetgrass, and I love that the plants in the book are easy to find locally for me. It is well organized, and can be used in lots of different ways. I highly recommend it!
April 24, 2023
Herbal book with a First Nations lens. While the author is from Canada, many of these plants do not grow in So Cal, so not as much for me. But interesting sounding recipes, love the descriptions, info. Drawings not photos. Lovely looking book.
October 17, 2023
This was quite interesting to learn about the different wild plants used by Indigenous peoples and their uses. Sadly, it was mostly concerning plants on the Western coast, so I may not see some of these in the eastern/central area I am in.
June 10, 2024
I was a big fan of this book. It is however important to note the focus on the Pacific Northwest and specifically BC so if you live in that area you will get the most out of the book! If not then it is still a great read about TEK and cultural practices of native peoples!
July 2, 2025
I enjoyed this book and would like to plant some of these plants in my yard someday. I would love to find a book like this for the Ontario regions. One of my future projects would be to make a portion of my yard a food forest with Canadian edible plants.
March 25, 2023
For when you want a visually beautiful, unique approach to learning about plants with added pleasure of Indigenous language and storytelling
April 3, 2023
Very good, detailed botanical book with bilingual (Squamish) labeling of plants.
August 26, 2023
The use of art rather than photographs did not make me more confident that I could identify certain plants.
October 14, 2023
Very handy plant guide for BC area. Would like to have known more found in Alberta too and colored photos instead of sketches. Book a nice size and thick pages.
December 23, 2023
A beautiful guide on ethnobotany and plants in the Pacific Northwest that I know I will return to again and again.
March 20, 2024
Very place-based guide to ethno-botany by Squamish author.
May 23, 2024
Fascinating! Greatly enjoyed and highly recommend!
July 12, 2024
Beautiful sharing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews