Bearberry

Bearberry

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

apaakozigan (Rhodes: paakwzigan)
miskwaabiimag (Reagan: me-squah-be-mag, mesgwah­ be-mag (mi-squa-bi-mag, mis-gwa-bi-mag))
(Densmore: saga 'kominagunj ')

Bearberry is a prostrate, evergreen shrub that forms mats on sandy or rocky soils in exposed sites in the northern part of the ceded territories. The reddish-brown upright branches reach heights of about 7 inches. The alternate, leathery leaves are oval or paddle shaped, with the broadest part above the middle. In May and June, the bell-shaped, pink to white flowers bloom, crowded at the tips of branches in clusters. The dry, red berry-like fruit matures in August to September.
(Plants used by the Great Lakes Ojibwa)

The berries were cooked with meat as a seasoning, the root was smoked in a pipe to attract game, an infusion of the pounded plant was used as a wash for rheumatism and for general illnesses, and the leaves were smoked to relieve headaches.
(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