Herbal Guardian: Protecting Our At-Risk and Endangered Plants
In herbalism, the health of the plant is just as important as the health of the person taking it. Between habitat loss, overharvesting, and environmental pressures, many of our favorite botanicals are under threat. We believe wellness should never come at the expense of the Earth.
Here’s a quick guide to understanding the status of some of our treasured plants:
- At-Risk Plants: Species showing signs of decline due to overuse or environmental stress. They are still found in the wild but need careful, sustainable harvesting to protect future populations.
- Endangered Plants: Plants at serious risk of extinction in the wild. Harvesting must be avoided unless under strict conservation oversight.
- Protected Plants: Legally shielded by regulations, meaning they cannot be collected, sold, or used without special permission. This ensures their survival for future generations.
Below, we highlight some iconic and medicinal plants that need our attention and care.
Wild Yam
(Dioscorea villosa) - From Amanda
Wild Yam (not the Thanksgiving version drowning in marshmallows!),is a twisty root native to the shady woodlands of North America. Wild Yam has been known in herbal traditions for centuries, particularly in women’s health. It’s often used to support digestion, normal menstrual cramps, and help with typical menopausal symptoms. While it doesn’t contain hormones, it’s rich in diosgenin, a plant compound historically used in the lab-based synthesis of steroidal hormones.
That reputation even made it onto the big screen….Sex and the City 2 fans may remember Samantha turning to Wild Yam during her very public battle with menopause!
While Dioscorea villosa is still relatively common in eastern North America, it’s not legally protected in the U.S. or listed by the IUCN Red List. However, it is classified as “At Risk” by United Plant Savers due to overharvesting and habitat loss. It grows slowly, needs specific shady woodland homes, and is often overharvested in the wild. Urban sprawl and habitat loss aren’t helping either. Other species face far greater threats. Dioscorea strydomiana, found in South Africa, is critically endangered, with only a handful of individuals remaining in the wild. Several wild yam species native to Madagascar—like D. orangeana, D. sambiranensis, D. buckleyana, and D. irodensis—are also under serious threat.
The pressures come from root harvesting, especially for diosgenin, as well as habitat destruction caused by development, agriculture, invasive species, and possibly climate change. In some places, like Madagascar, where wild yam is also a staple food, the need for conservation is even more critical.
If you’re shopping for Wild Yam, look for brands that use cultivated or responsibly wildcrafted sources. That way, you're getting the support without contributing to the problem.
Learn more here: https://unitedplantsavers.org/wild-yam-dioscorea-villosa/
Alaka'a'i Swamp -
Hawaii - From Shae
Alaka’a’i Swamp (ah-lah-kah-ee) Located high in the Kauai mountains above the Na’Pali’ Coast, this bog sits at an altitude of over 4,000 feet and is the highest in the world. Designated as an IUCN-protected area due to its unique ecosystem and high number of endangered endemic species, it is fed by the heavy rainfall from Mount Wai’ale’ale. Due to its untouched and remote location, it is a biodiversity hotspot that supports many endangered flora and fauna, some of which can only be found here. In the Hawaiian language, alaka’i translates to “guide” or “lead”, and the swamp is considered sacred to the Hawaiian people, symbolizing the spiritual connection between the land and its people.
Hawaii contains 44% of the nation's endangered and threatened plant species and is referred to as the “Endangered Species Capital of the World.” Over 100 plant species are already extinct, and more than 200 have fewer than 50 individuals left in the wild. In Hawaii, 366 plant species are federally and/or state-listed as endangered or threatened, with 48 more proposed for protection. Invasive species, disease, habitat loss, climate shifts, urbanization, and overharvesting continue to drive their decline.
Hawaii state has created the Rare Plant Program and Natural Area Reserves System, or NARS, to help preserve and protect biological ecosystems and geological formations to ensure the highest level of stewardship of Hawaii’s resources. To help protect the beautiful plants of Hawaii, you can volunteer if you are local or visiting, donate to the right organizations, educate yourself and others, advocate for protection by supporting policies to protect Hawaii’s native ecosystems, and the Division of Forestry is looking to partner with researchers to study management improvement of these ecosystems. DOFAW has created a database to help look for research needs. Ho'ihi aku! Ho'ihi Mai (give respect, get respect)! Aloha!
Ghost Pipe
(Montrop Uniflora) - From Allison
Also commonly known as Ghost Plant, Indian Pipe and Corpse Plant. Just a few of its many names. It has been traditionally used as an Antispasmodic, a Nervine, a Sedative, and a Toothache remedy. Ghost Pipe has also been used by Native American tribes in rituals and ceremonies to communicate with the dead. This plant is waxy white and has a sharply curved stem for each single flower. In rare occurrences, some may even be a deep red color. It is an herbaceous, parasitic, non-photosynthesizing, perennial flowering plant native to temperate regions of Asia, North America, and northern South America. Ghost pipe grows to be about 10-30 centimeters tall and is found growing in old oak and pine forests under the canopy of trees. This plant lives off parasitic tree fungi but is not dependent on just one. It will form associations with more than a dozen different fungi, many of which are edible mushrooms. It is fully dependent on its host for the nutrients it needs. Ghost Pipe has dark, fibrous, large, matted roots. It has a stem that is 4-8 inches in height, translucent, and hairless. There is one flower per stem, and they resemble a white clay pipe. Bees pollinate the flowers upside down. This plant will bloom from June to September. Ghost Pipe only flowers for a week and then they die, turning black. If you pick the flower, it will wilt and turn black very quickly. Due to overharvesting, Ghost Pipe is on the imperiled or vulnerable list. It is also rare to find due to where it grows. You can make a tincture out of the plant for its medicinal properties. But as always, be well informed in making choices while ingesting herbs, as they can be dangerous.
Butterfly Milkweed
(Asclepias Tuberosa L.) - From Birdy
This bushy, 1 1/2-2 ft. perennial is prized for its large, flat-topped clusters of bright-orange flowers. This beautiful plant is Native to North America found from Ontario to Newfoundland, New England south to Florida, west to Texas, north through Colorado to Minnesota. It loves prairies, open woods, and canyons. It prefers to be planted in well-drained sand, loam, clay, or limestone. This plant is valued for its stunning flowers, with its strong color, it blooms ornamentally! It’s showy, long-living, and perennial, so it's perfect for a garden. Unlike other milkweeds, Butterfly Weed does not possess the milky sap that can irritate skin and eyes. This is a no-fuss plant that requires very little aftercare and is deer-resistant. Medicinally, its tough root was historically chewed by First Nations People as a cure for pleurisy and other pulmonary ailments, explaining its other common name, pleurisy root. (Niering) and the fresh root was supposedly chewed for bronchitis and other respiratory complaints. But mostly this wonderful plant is great for pollinators, butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees love this plant. Monarch butterflies use this plant exclusively for laying their eggs and it is the main food for their caterpillars, making it an important part of keeping the Monarch population alive. Unfortunately, it faces significant threats due to habitat destruction and climate change, which have led to its decline. As a result, Asclepias tuberosa is listed as “Possibly Extirpated” in Maine, “Endangered” in New Hampshire, “Exploitably Vulnerable” in New York, of “Special Concern” in Rhode Island, and “Threatened” in Vermont, although it has not yet been evaluated by the IUCN Red List. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensuring its survival. To help protect Milkweed, individuals can participate in conservation programs, advocate for habitat protection, and plant Milkweed along with other Native plants in their own garden.
Osha/Bear Root
(Ligusticum Porteri) - From Shae
Osha is a perennial herb found in rich, moist soils, and wooded habitats in the Rocky Mountains, northern New Mexico, and parts of Mexico. Also known as bear root, chuchupate, and quite a few other names, Osha, is known for its distinctive, celery-like, or spicy scent. It has dark brown, wrinkled root skin and can grow over 100 cm tall. In winter, the above-ground parts die back to thick, woody, and very aromatic sticks. It has lance-shaped leaves with white flowers that have 5 petals that are grouped in numerous rounded clusters that have an umbrella-like shape. They open to about 4 inches wide when mature.
Osha is a sacred plant that has been used medicinally by indigenous people for centuries and has also been absorbed into the pharmacopeia of other people. The root can be used to make tinctures, infusions, syrups, and teas, and is taken internally for respiratory health, gastrointestinal health, and joint health. Externally, it can be used for muscle health, digestive health, scorpion stings, and skin health.
While it is not currently listed as endangered or threatened, it has been listed as “rare” on the 1997 International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Plants and is listed as an “at-risk” species by the United Plant Savers. There are no comprehensive management programs in place to manage populations, and none of the states prohibit collection. Grazing, development, recreational activities, off-road vehicles, logging, and collection are all factors for population decline.
American Ginseng
(Panax Quinquefolius) - From Chris
Originating in Asia, Ginseng is one of the world's oldest known herbs, classified under the Latin name Panax (from "panakeia," meaning "all-healing"). American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a direct descendant discovered by French Jesuits in the 1700s. Recognizing the climate and soil similarities between China and North America, they found it growing in the deciduous forests of Canada and the Eastern United States. Crucially, the Mohawk Nation of Kahnawake, who possessed prior knowledge of its uses, assisted in sourcing and cultivating the herb, facilitating its early export to China.
Today, American ginseng can be found in thirty-four states. However, twenty-one of these states list it as a conservation concern. Fifteen states prohibit the harvest and sale of wild ginseng, while the remaining nineteen states allow harvest and export, provided they adhere to Federal and CITES mandates. This regulatory landscape underscores the ongoing effort to balance economic interests with the conservation of this valuable herb. The most significant danger today is unsustainable wild root harvesting for export.
American ginseng is a powerful adaptogenic herb known for its numerous health properties. It supports energy levels, helps manage normal stress, and supports cognitive function. Rich in ginsenosides, it supports the immune system, helping the body maintain a healthy immune and inflammatory response. American ginseng also promotes heart health by helping to maintain blood sugar and circulation. Studies suggest it may sustain mood, manage normal anxiety, and overall well-being. Additionally, it aids healthy digestion and supports adrenal function. American ginseng offers a wide array of health elements and is valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its cooling (Yin-tonifying) properties, making it suitable for various body types.
White Sage
(Salvia Apiana) - From Haley
Salvia apiana, also known as white sage, bee sage, or sacred sage is an evergreen shrub indigenous to the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico. It is found mainly in Southern California, Baja California, and the edges of the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts.
The Washoe and Cahuilla Nations use White Sage for Respiratory Remedies, including for coughs, colds, and fever. Both the smoke and teas are used. The Shoshone Nation uses White Sage to treat common digestive issues. The Crow Nation uses White Sage to support the natural process of wound healing and skin conditions, as well as deodorant and antiperspirant. Many cultures use White Sage for continued healthy menstruation and normal recovery from childbirth.
These Indigenous cultures also use White Sage for a variety of spiritual practices, including in sweat lodge, purification and cleansing of spaces and bodies, and dispelling negative energies.
The popularization of adopting these spiritual practices into mainstream culture has lead to over-harvesting of indigenous and wild white sage, which has contributed negatively to its wild population and diversity in the natural environment. According to Wikipedia: In June 2018, four people were arrested for the illegal harvest of 400 pounds of white sage in North Etiwanda Preserve of Rancho Cucamonga, California. Due to the potential for overharvesting and the plant's sacredness to certain Indigenous tribes, many Native Americans have asked non-Natives to refrain from the usage of white sage.
There are many alternatives to burning “smudge sticks” made of White Sage. Consider using bundles of rosemary, mugwort, or cedar if you wish to practice smoke-cleansing rituals. Or, consider growing your own, instead of harvesting from native habitats.
Slippery Elm
(Ulmus Rubra) - From Will
Slippery Elm is a member of the Elm family, with oblong, jagged-edged leaves. It thrives in a wide range of climates. The early buds are covered in small red hairs. Seeds start forming early on this tree, and healthy trees produce many seeds early in the season. Overdrying and sun exposure will reduce the germination rate. When the inner bark is stripped and worked, it produces a slick, slippery substance due to its high mucilage content. This mucilage is what gives Slippery Elm its supportive properties. Slippery Elm has a long history of use among Native American tribes, who passed down its many applications. Traditionally, it was used to soothe throats, relieve voice loss, and ease mucous membranes. It was also commonly used for normal digestive issues, and for common skin concerns. Slippery Elm was often a key ingredient in poultices, providing both bulk and active properties. Early European settlers adopted many of these traditional uses, learning from Native American healers. Today, herbalists continue to rely on Slippery Elm for many of the same purposes, valuing its gentle, soothing effects on the body. Slipper Elm is in danger for several reasons. Stripping of the bark (this is how collection happens) is lethal to the tree. Ideal habitat is wide but still, space is declining, so less space for natural propagation has become a threat. Overharvesting of Slippery Elm should be avoided, but the biggest threat is Dutch Elm Disease. It’s important to learn how to spot the signs of this disease. By properly removing and disposing of infected or dying trees, we can help prevent the spread. Insects and animals should also be kept away from infected wood, as they can carry the disease to healthy trees.
With better awareness and teamwork, we can protect this valuable medicinal tree—helping with our health needs for generations to come.
Echinacea
(Echinacea Purpurea) - From Nichole
Echinacea, also known as ‘purple coneflower’, is one of North America's most iconic native plants. It thrives in prairies, open woodlands, and meadows, primarily across the central and southeastern United States. There are several species - Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, and E. pallida being the most commonly used in herbalism.
Echinacea is easy to spot in the wild or in gardens. It features striking daisy-like flowers with vibrant purple or pale pink petals that droop slightly away from a spiny, cone-shaped center. These blooms sit atop tall, slender stems, beloved by pollinators. The leaves vary by species, from broad and toothed to narrow and lance-like.
Traditionally used by Indigenous peoples and later adopted into Western herbalism, echinacea supports the body’s natural immune defenses and is often used seasonally. Native American tribes have long used echinacea to promote wellness, and it remains a popular herb for immune support today. The roots, leaves, and flowers are commonly used in teas, tinctures, and extracts to support resilience, especially during seasonal changes.
Unfortunately, wild echinacea populations, particularly Echinacea angustifolia, have been declining due to overharvesting and habitat loss. Overharvesting has put pressure on wild populations as demand for echinacea has grown, especially because it grows slowly. Additionally, its native prairie habitats are threatened by agriculture and development, putting several species at risk.
To help protect this plant:
- Choose cultivated sources or products from companies that use sustainably harvested echinacea.
- Grow it at home—echinacea is easy to cultivate, drought-tolerant, and great for pollinators.
- Support conservation efforts that preserve native prairies and educate about sustainable herbalism.
By choosing mindfully and supporting ethical stewardship, we can keep this powerful plant growing strong—for both our health and the health of the ecosystems it calls home.
Peyote
(Lophophora Williamsii) - From Meagan
Peyote is a small, spineless cactus celebrated for its psychoactive properties, primarily due to the compound mescaline. Native to parts of southern Texas and northern Mexico, peyote thrives in arid desert environments where it has adapted to survive harsh conditions. It has been utilized for thousands of years, holding cultural and spiritual significance for various Indigenous peoples. Many communities consume peyote during ceremonial practices to achieve altered states of consciousness, facilitate healing, and deepen connections with the spiritual realm. Despite its long-standing importance, peyote is classified as an endangered species today. One significant factor contributing to its decline is its slow growth rate; peyote can take 10 to 15 years to reach maturity in the wild. Overharvesting poses a major threat, driven by both traditional use and growing recreational demand for mescaline (a naturally occurring psychedelic compound). In addition, habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, livestock grazing, and land development leads to the destruction of the environments where peyote naturally grows. Climate change also threatens the cactus, as rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns increase drought conditions, hindering its growth and reproduction. In response to these challenges, various conservation efforts are underway. Initiatives promoting sustainable cultivation practices and the establishment of peyote gardens aim to ensure that it can be grown responsibly, protecting wild populations. Some Indigenous communities also reclaim their ancestral lands to replant and protect wild peyote. Collaboration among Indigenous peoples, conservationists, and policymakers is essential to raise awareness of peyote's ecological, cultural, and spiritual significance. Through collective efforts, there is hope for the preservation of this sacred plant, ensuring future generations can appreciate and honor its unique history and importance.
Black Cohosh
(Actaea Racemosa L.) - From Melissa
Black Cohosh is an herbaceous perennial in the Ranunculaceae family. Also known as black bugbane, rattle-snakeroot, papoose root, and fairy candles. It is a native Appalachian forest herb found from Maine to Georgia and up to elevations up to 4,000 feet. The slow-growing black cohosh requires a moderate supply of moisture throughout the growing season, rich loamy soil, and mostly shady conditions. They have a white flower in the summer and are hosts to several species of butterflies, but the only known host for the Appalachian Azure.
The Rhizomes of this plant have been valued for their positive properties by Native American people and were used in various situations, from snake bites to bronchitis. Today black cohosh is found in many herbal supplements for a variety of reasons, but it is particularly popular in ones supporting menopausal health and the demand is growing. In 2001, the market for Black Cohosh grew 106%. In 2005, Black Cohosh ranked as the eighth top-selling herb in the United States.
Black Cohosh is wild-harvested in the fall after all of its leaves have died and requires removal of the root and rhizome. This is problematic because although the plant produces seeds, propagation by seed only has about a 20% success rate. Propagation by rhizome is much more successful and produces much stronger plants so the removal of the rhizomes in wild harvesting makes it difficult for the natural plant population to keep up. Loss of natural habitat however, still poses a bigger threat to the wild plant population.
As a result, it is classified as endangered by the state of Massachusetts and Illinois and on the watch list in Indiana. In Massachusetts Black Cohosh is protected from killing, collecting, possessing, or sale (and from activities that would destroy its habitat).
Conservation efforts are crucial to ensuring its survival.
Blue Cohosh
(Caulophyllum Thalictroides) - From Brittini
Blue Cohosh is a powerful herb native to North America, long cherished for its supportive effects on women’s health. Traditionally used by Indigenous people and herbalists, Blue Cohosh supports the body’s natural functions, particularly in supporting menstrual and reproductive health. The plant’s root contains alkaloids that help support the body’s regulation of menstrual cycles and remain free from other reproductive concerns. Additionally, Blue Cohosh has anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties that contribute to overall wellness.
However, despite its remarkable medicinal properties, Blue Cohosh is increasingly considered a threatened species of plant. Blue Cohosh is vulnerable to human intervention and environmental changes because it is a delicate herb that grows slowly and requires moist soil in deep shade in order to thrive. These conditions are usually found in forests. Deforestation is one of the contributing factors to the risk Blue Cohosh faces. Along with habitat loss, overharvesting of the plant in the wild has also led to a decline in its natural populations. Moreover, its demand in the herbal medicine market has led to the overextraction of wild plants, further endangering its survival.
To ensure Blue Cohosh continues to be available for future generations, it is crucial that we support sustainable harvesting practices. Opting for products made from cultivated Blue Cohosh rather than wild-harvested plants helps reduce the pressure on wild populations. Additionally, supporting conservation efforts and restoration projects can help maintain its habitats. By raising awareness and educating others about the importance of preserving this valuable herb, we can protect Blue Cohosh and ensure it remains a trusted ally in herbal medicine for years to come. Through mindful stewardship, we can ensure its legacy lives on.
Caring for Our Herbal Allies
The plants we rely on for health and wellness are also part of a larger ecological system. By supporting sustainable harvesting, cultivating herbs at home, and advocating for conservation, we protect both the plants and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Wellness begins with respect for the plant, the environment, and the traditions that have safeguarded these species for centuries.
Stewards of the Earth
Protecting plants means protecting the ecosystems they call home. We admire and support organizations that champion biodiversity, safeguard wild places, and advocate for the natural world with heart and persistence. Here are a few we look up to:
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WildEarth Guardians – Defending wildlife, rivers, and public lands in the American West through legal action and restoration.
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Center for Biological Diversity – Fighting for endangered species and their habitats with science and law.
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Earthjustice – “Because the Earth needs a good lawyer.” Providing legal support for critical environmental issues.
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United Plant Savers – Focused on the conservation of at-risk medicinal plants and responsible herbal stewardship.
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The Nature Conservancy – Preserving land and water around the world for people and wildlife.
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Fungi Perfecti – Promoting the cultivation of fungi to improve health, protect the environment, and expand ecological consciousness.
Together, these organizations remind us that caring for the earth is an act of reciprocity. Every step toward preservation matters.
