Standard English Name(s): Pacific trailing blackberry
Local English Name(s) (if different from above): blackberry
Scientific Name(s): Rubus ursinus Cham. & Schlecht.
Upriver Halkomelem Name(s): sqw’o:lmuxwulhp (shrub)
Downriver Halkomelem Name(s): skw’ilmuxw (fruit), skw’ilmuxwulhp (shrub)
Island Halkomelem Name(s): sqw’il’muxw (fruit)

Description, Habitat, Ecology, & Distribution:
     This is the only native blackberry species in British Columbia. It is a low, trailing plant with deciduous leaves and white to pink flowers that produce the small blackberry fruits. It is common in disturbed sites and dry, open forests from low to middle elevations throughout the southern two-thirds of Vancouver Island and the southern coast of the province.

Upriver Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
     The fruits were eaten fresh. The leaves were used for a medicinal tea for stomach ache and the roots were used for a medicinal tea for diarrhea.

Downriver Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
     The fruits were eaten fresh and dried.

Island Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
     The fruits are edible and the leaves, after they have turned reddish, may be used to make a tea. This plant grows abundantly where fires have occurred.