5. Early Learning Academy

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)

• Location: The taller second and third trees along the fence close to Early Learning Academy’s reserved parking spaces. The trees often drop round, spiked, woody balls (gum balls!) on the ground.
• The Rappahannock and the Cherokee are among the Indigenous peoples who make tea, chewing gum, and medicine (e.g., for treating infections and diarrhea) from the sweetgum.

Elderberry (Sambucus sp.)

• Location: Large shrub at end of central mulched area near the chain-link fence
• The Anacostan, Piscataway, Patawomeck, and Powhatan are among the Indigenous peoples who make ceremonial flutes, smoking pipes, food, and medicine (e.g., for treating burns, infections, colds, and fevers) from the native elderberry, Sambucus canadensis.

Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis)

• Location: The shorter tree under the large silver maple tree directly across from wooden entrance gate and next to central mulched area
• Indigenous tribes such as the Cherokee and the Delaware make food, drink, and medicine (e.g., for treating cough, fever, and congestion) from this tree.

Silver maple (Acer saccharinum)

• Location: Tall tree directly across from wooden entrance gate and next to central mulched area
• The Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Cherokee are among the Indigenous people who make building materials, baskets, food (sugar, bread), drink, and medicine (e.g., for treating skin and digestive problems) from the silver maple.