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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1.8 MB / Created June 10, 2019 / Updated June 10, 2019

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

1.7 MB / Created June 10, 2019 / Updated June 10, 2019

Snowy egrets, though much smaller than the great blue heron and great egret, are large wading birds with white feathers.

2.3 MB / Created June 10, 2019 / Updated June 10, 2019

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

2.7 MB / Created June 10, 2019 / Updated June 10, 2019

The Deer Clan is one of the 7 Cherokee Clans making the White-tailed Deer a sacred animal.

Updated August 24, 2026