Black Raspberry

Black Raspberry

Rubus occidentalis

makade-miskomin, makade-miskwimin
(Gilmore: kadem-sku-min; Hoffman: makade 'w <=m> Iskwi 'minok)
makade-miin, -an odatagaagominagaawanzh
(Densmore: oda 'tagago 'minaga' wunj)

Black raspberry grows in the southern part of the ceded territories, and is found in thickets, at the edges of woods, and along roadsides and fencerows. Growing in clumps, the 3 to6 foot high canes arch over with the tips touching the ground and sometimes rooting. The alternate, compound leaves have 3 to 5 leaflets that are white under­ neath. The canes are armed with stout curved prickles, and the whole plant is covered with a whitish powder. In May and June the white flowers bloom in clusters of 3 to 10. In July the black or dark purple berries mature and are easily detached from the receptacle when ripe.
(Plants used by the Great Lakes Ojibwa)

Medicinally the roots were used in various decoctions as an eye wash, to treat back pain and stomach pain, and as a gynecological aid. The berries were also a source of food.
(Plants used by the Great Lakes Ojibwa)

Plants used by the Great Lakes Ojibwa, Meeker, Elias and Heim, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, Odanah, WI, 1993