Plants and animals have always held places of importance to the Cherokee people. Below are a few plants and animals that have significant meaning to Cherokees.

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2 MB / Created June 10, 2019 / Updated November 18, 2025

Cherokees use the wood from the Red Oak to keep the sacred eternal fire burning at pow wows.

2.6 MB / Created June 10, 2019 / Updated November 18, 2025

River cane has been used for many generations in making arrows, baskets, blowguns, and flutes.

1.8 MB / Created June 10, 2019 / Updated November 18, 2025

Shagbark hickory can be found growing in the oak-hickory forests in Adair, Cherokee and southern Delaware counties.

2.3 MB / Created June 10, 2019 / Updated November 18, 2025

Watercress has been used by Cherokees for generations as both food and medicine. Watercress is nutritious, high in vitamins (esp. vitamin C) and minerals.

Updated November 18, 2025