Bunchberry
Mary Clay Stensvold @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. Vol. 2: 664.
Nelson DeBarros @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Names: Pihew Mina (Cree); Bunchberry (English); Cornouiller (French); Cornus canadensis (Latin)
Also Known As: Grouse Berries, Itchy Chin Berry
Characteristics: Perennial with evergreen leaves, bloom with small white-purple flowers that turn to small red berry-like drupes (edible).
Habitat and Origin: Found mostly in moist woods and clearings.
Optimal Growing Conditions: Moist to well-drained soil, shade and part shade. Exposure to conditions should be minimal.
Edible Portions: Berries
Aboriginal Peoples Uses: Fruit can be eaten fresh, cooked, or preserved. Indigenous people have commonly fried them in animal fats for consumption.