Day 251: Two species of Pipsissewa may be found in Mount Rainier National Park. By far the most common is Chimaphila umbellata, also known as Prince's Pine. The second, Chimaphila menziesii, may be found growing interspersed among specimens of its cousin, and a few points of identification will help you separate them. The leaves of C. umbellata grow in distinct whorls and have fewer "teeth" along their edges. C. menziesii's leaves are toothed from tip to base and are alternate. C. umbellata bears more flowers per stalk, as opposed to C. menziesii's two or three. Shorter on both blossoms and foliage, it is understandable how C. menziesii became known as "Little Prince's Pine," although the "pine" part of the name continues to baffle me. The suggested etymologies do not seem to be supported in any authoritative work.
Pipsissewa was important as a "medicine plant" among the local indigenous cultures, cited as a remedy for kidney ailments and as a poultice for sore muscles. In fact, these specimens were photographed in the designated Tribal Use Area in the Longmire Stewardship Campground, a space set aside by the National Park Service for the people of the Nisqually Nation where they may gather the plants for use in ceremonies and in traditional medicine.
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