Plant Names in Seneca
Here, you’ll find a list of plant names in Seneca, with phonetic pronunciations provided by Brennen Johns. Use this resource alongside the curriculum, New York’s Natural Resources 4-H Wild Edibles: A Guide to Tradition, Safety, and Conservation, designed to help you explore the beauty and diversity of plant life through the lens of the Seneca language. Whether you’re a language learner, a nature enthusiast, or simply curious, you’ll find valuable insights and practice opportunities to connect with the language and its cultural significance.
Quick Guides
Pronunciation Key
​
a--father
e--they
i--police
o--note
u--tune
ä--cat
ë--men (nasalized)
ö--own (nasalized)
​w--wash
n--not
​
​
​y--yes
d--dog
t--tail
g--girl
k--kite
s--sit
j--job
h--hat
' (after a vowel)--abruptly stops the sound
š or sy -- as in "sh" of show
:--long vowel
​
Burdock
Onöhda’ (o-noh-da!)
Translation – bur
Cattail
O’eohgo:d (o!-eoh-go-d)
Translation – standing grass
Chicory
Gasäyëdahgwa’ (gah-sa-ye-dah-gwa!)
Dandelions
Ojisö’da’ (o-gee-so!-da!)
Translation – star
Oxeye Daisy
Gajisö’dö:te’ (ga-gee-so!-do-te!) Translation – It attaches stars.
Lamb's Quarters
Nö’gëödö’öh (no!-geo-do!-oh)
Leeks
O’nöhsowa:nës (o!-noh-so-wa-nes!) Translation – big onions
Milkweed
Onösgä’ (o-nos-ga!)
White Pine
O’soä’ (o!-so-a!)
Plantain
Deyë:öh (de-ya-oh)
Stinging Nettle
Ohishä’ (o-he-sha!)
Staghorn Sumac
Otgo’da’ (ot-go!-dot!)
Translation - face paint