​Melvin R. Gilmore’s Uses of Plants by the Indians of the Missouri River Region is a seminal work in the field of ethnobotany, first published in 1919 and later reprinted by the University of Nebraska Press. Drawing from his extensive field research, Gilmore documents how the Plains and Prairie tribes utilized over 160 wild plants for various purposes, including food, medicine, clothing, and ornamentation. The book offers a detailed account of the plants’ uses, accompanied by 31 pen-and-ink drawings that illustrate the specimens’ characteristics, such as leaf patterns, flowering stages, and root structures. This visual aid enhances the reader’s ability to identify the plants, even without extensive botanical knowledge.​

The tribes of the Missouri River region, including the Dakota, Pawnee, Omaha, and Winnebago, demonstrated a profound understanding of their natural environment. They cultivated and harvested plants like sweetgrass, sage, and cedar, integrating them into their daily lives for medicinal remedies, ceremonial practices, and practical applications. For instance, sweetgrass was used in rituals and as a natural air freshener, while sage served both as a medicinal herb and a component in spiritual ceremonies. Gilmore’s work underscores the intricate relationship between these communities and their surrounding ecosystem, highlighting a sustainable approach to resource utilization.​

One of the notable aspects of Gilmore’s research is his inclusion of a glossary that provides the indigenous names of plants in various languages, such as Dakota and Pawnee. This feature not only enriches the reader’s understanding of the cultural significance of these plants but also preserves linguistic elements that might otherwise be overlooked. By documenting these names and their associated uses, Gilmore contributes to the preservation of indigenous knowledge systems and offers insights into the linguistic diversity of the region.​

Uses of Plants by the Indians of the Missouri River Region serves as both a botanical guide and a cultural document. It provides readers with a comprehensive overview of how indigenous communities harmonized with their environment, utilizing plants in multifaceted ways that spanned practical, medicinal, and spiritual domains. Gilmore’s meticulous documentation ensures that this rich heritage is accessible to contemporary audiences, fostering a deeper appreciation for the wisdom embedded in indigenous practices.