Useful Survival Vegetation in Arkansas Backpacking Terrain

I'm starting a topic on useful plants & trees in Arkansas backpacking country. Plant / tree identification as an essential survival skill.

The intent is to list types of plants & trees most often encountered on the most frequented Arkansas trails and their survival applications. We can then cross-reference the Internet for identification information other uses, etc.

Nathan

Disclaimer - All information should be considered un-verified. Use information at your own risk.

Common Name: Broadleaf Cattail, North American Cattail
Scientific Name: Typha latifolia
Counties Located: http://plants.usda.gov/java/county?state_name=Arkansas&statefips=05&symbol=TYLA
Frequency Encountered on Arkansas Trails: Unknown
Typically found near areas with plentiful standing water (ditches, swampy areas)
Survival Uses:

• In late summer, fall, and winter Cattail seed pod can be broken open to reveal fluff that is an excellent tinder that will take a spark from flint / steel.
  
• Fluff can be used in larger amounts as an insulation.
  
• Multiple food uses
  
• Some medicinal and anticeptic applications
  
• Burn cattails as an insect repellant
  

Useful websites: http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles/duffyk43.html
http://www.equipped.com/21-76/appb.pdf p. B-25

Disclaimer: All information should be considered unverified. Use at you own risk.

Common Name: Shortleaf pine, Loblolly Pine, Longleaf pine, and Slash pine. The most common species in the state today are the Loblolly Pine and the Shortleaf Pine
Scientific Name: Pinus species
Counties Located: Most, if not all of Arkansas
Frequency Encountered on Arkansas Trails: Very Common - mostly in open, sunny areas
Survival Uses:

• Boiled water can be poured over green needles, and steeped for 20 - 30 minutes to make a tea that is high in Vitamin C.
  
• Seeds are edible
  
• Young male cones are edible in the spring
  
• Inner bark can be chewed as a food or cooked
  
• Resin can be used as a glue, waterproofing agent, or emergency dental filling
  

Useful websites: http://www.equipped.com/21-76/appb.pdf - p. B-64
http://www.survivaltopics.com/survival/edible-pine-bark/
http://www.survivaltopics.com/survival/a-native-american-cure-for-scurvy/
http://www.survivaltopics.com/survival/making-pitch-glue/