Where it grows: On arid plains, mesas, and slopes in the prairies and foothills you can find Pisstááhkaan growing wild.

How to Identify: Pisstááhkaan  has a long stem, thin green leaves, and star-shaped white blossoms that bloom from June to August.

Blackfoot: Pisstááhkaan

Pisstááhkaan was traditionally smoked for religious, recreational, and medicinal purposes. After the arrival of white traders imported tobacco gained popularity over local varieties.

Medicinal Uses:

• The smoke relieves headaches and toothaches. If fatigued, the smoke, like a cup of coffee, may make one feel more awake.
• A poultice made entirely of Pisstááhkaan extract can be used to extract disease from the skin.

Spiritual:

• Smoking with others is a holy rite, a way to honour and include other community members, and a way to consume the sacred Pisstááhkaan used in ceremonial pipes. Prayers are lifted by the pipe’s smoke, which resembles the Great Spirit’s breath. One is only allowed to speak the truth when holding a ceremonial pipe.
• The dried leaves of the Kinnikinnik plant and the inner bark of Red-osier Dogwood are frequently combined with Pisstááhkaan for smoking and are stored in consecrated bundles.
• Pisstááhkaan was mixed with dried Rosy Pussy Toes and sweetgrass for ceremonial use. Pisstááhkaan can be combined with Sweetflag plant roots, and the resulting smoke can be inhaled.
• Pisstááhkaan was cultivated by the Blackfoot. The tobacco society sowed Pisstááhkaan seeds during a ritual and while meditating.
• The Blackfoot were never taught to snuff or chew Pisstááhkaan, and the Pisstááhkaan that they smoked was very different than what is available to purchase today.