An Investigation of Wapato Along the Lower Columbia River
Start Date
February 2018
End Date
February 2018
Abstract
Sagittaria latifolia is a northwest native aquatic perennial known commonly by its Chinook Jargon name ‘wapato.’ S. latifolia has long held cultural significance for the role of its edible underground tubers as an essential food source and trade commodity to early indigenous tribes located along the Lower Columbia River. With its ability to readily absorb heavy metals from soil, S. latifolia is also a valuable indicator of wetland conditions. The compilation of known wapato-patch locations along a 40 mile stretch of the Lower Columbia River was the focus of this project. Additionally, samples of wapato tubers and their surrounding substrates were taken from three separate locations along this stretch and analyzed for the presence of heavy metals. The purpose of this study is to provide preliminary data for future investigations of S. latifolia and wetland conditions in the Columbia River Basin.
Subjects
Land/watershed management, Plant ecology, Water quality, GIS / modeling
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/25655
An Investigation of Wapato Along the Lower Columbia River
Sagittaria latifolia is a northwest native aquatic perennial known commonly by its Chinook Jargon name ‘wapato.’ S. latifolia has long held cultural significance for the role of its edible underground tubers as an essential food source and trade commodity to early indigenous tribes located along the Lower Columbia River. With its ability to readily absorb heavy metals from soil, S. latifolia is also a valuable indicator of wetland conditions. The compilation of known wapato-patch locations along a 40 mile stretch of the Lower Columbia River was the focus of this project. Additionally, samples of wapato tubers and their surrounding substrates were taken from three separate locations along this stretch and analyzed for the presence of heavy metals. The purpose of this study is to provide preliminary data for future investigations of S. latifolia and wetland conditions in the Columbia River Basin.
