Where it grows: Ma’s flourishes on sandy, well draining soil in high prairie grassland areas.

How to identify: Ma’s is around  15 to 30 cm tall and is a furry plant with five coarsely haired leaflets and a fuzzy stem. Ma’s blooms in June and July. It bears blueish purple flowers. On the Kainai Nation (Blood Reserve), there is a hill known as Ma’si’tommoyi or Wild Turnip Hill.

Blackfoot: Ma’s

Due to its association with the morning star and celestial beings, Ma’s is a significant food and medicine for the Niitsitapi.

Food Uses:

• The root is a fantastic energy source because the roots are high in fibre, protein, and carbohydrates. It can be dried for later use and is edible raw, roasted or boiled.

Medicinal Uses:

• Ma’s is good for the body since it keeps the brain healthy and wards against diseases like cancer and diabetes.