Soopalallie

Shepherdia canadensis

• Hul’qumi’num Name: sxwesum
• Description: Deciduous shrub growing 1 – 2m tall with leaves that are green and fuzzy on top with rusty scales on the underside. The flowers are yellowish-brown, producing small shiny red berries.
• Habitat: Prefers dry open spaces in full sun.
• Harvest: Flowers bloom May – June, with fruit ripening in July.
• Edibility: The berries are edible but bitter, and should be eaten in moderation.
• Fun Fact: The saponins found in the berries produce a foaming texture and are used to make a much beloved frothy dessert by many First Nations, including Hul’q’umi’num’ speaking people.