Bitter Cherry

Prunus emarginata

• Hul’qumi’num Name: t’ulum
• Description: Deciduous tree, 2-15m tall. Leaves are oval, finely toothed and rounded at the tip. Flowers are white in a flat-topped cluster. Cherries are bright red and bitter.
• Habitat: Moist forests and along streams. Also thrives in recently logged areas. An important pioneer species for forests.
• Harvest: The bark is harvested in late winter and early spring, and used to make medicine for sore throat, fever, bronchitis, and other maladies.
• Fun Fact:  Cherries of this species are so bitter they are virtually inedible for people, but are much loved by birds.