Plant Blindness Represents the Loss of Generational Knowledge and Cultural Identity

Plant blindness, the inability of people to notice plants, is of current interest in the natural sciences community. It has been hypothesized that communities of varying cultures may have improved plant sight. Researchers used an online survey to assess citizens ability to identify plants. The survey also intended to address the concern of elders from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians (TMBCI) who have seen reduced abundance of traditional plant species. The survey assessed knowledge of local wetland, grassland, and forest habitats; names of plants; and how citizens use plant features in identification. The survey gathered demographic data to determine trends across different demographic groups including age and ethnicity. A total of 216 participants took the survey, the majority classified themselves as female and Native American or Alaska Native. Our findings indicated that participants were able to identify forest and wetland plants the best, but struggled with grassland plants. Older individuals were more able to identify plants when compared to younger individuals. Ecologically, increasing plant knowledge is vital to rebuilding and maintaining the diversity of local habitats, but culturally the impacts are just as important. The practice of using traditional plants in medicine and ceremony is an integral part of the TMBCI culture. As both the knowledge and the plants disappear in younger generations, so does their unique cultural identity.