Rosaceae Amelanchier alnifolia (Nutt.) Nutt. ex M. Roemer

Saskatoon Serviceberry

Blackfoot - Food, Special Food

Use documented by:
Hellson, John C., 1974, Ethnobotany of the Blackfoot Indians, Ottawa. National Museums of Canada. Mercury Series, page 26

View all documented uses for Amelanchier alnifolia (Nutt.) Nutt. ex M. Roemer

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Scientific name: Amelanchier alnifolia (Nutt.) Nutt. ex M. Roemer
USDA symbol: AMALA (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Saskatoon Serviceberry
Family: Rosaceae
Family (APG): Rosaceae
Native American Tribe: Blackfoot
Use category: Food
Use sub-category: Special Food
Notes: Berry soup used for most ceremonial events. These ceremonial events included the transfer of a tipi design or the opening of a Medicine Pipe bundle or a Beaver bundle. The woman prepared the soup from berries, assorted roots, fat and water. At an appointed time during the ceremony this soup was served to all participants. The soup was blessed, and an offering of one of the berries was put back into the ground, before eating began. A few mouthfuls were taken; then the remainder of the soup was given to one or another of the women, who would take it home to her children.

RECRD: 3584 id: 2920

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