Standard English Name(s): red huckleberry
Local English Name(s) (if different from above):
Scientific Name(s): Vaccinium parvifolium Sm. in Rees
Upriver Halkomelem Name(s): skw’uqwcus (fruit and/or shrub); sqe:le (fruit), sqe:le:lhp (shrub) (*Note to Shawn: Add these terms.)
Downriver Halkomelem Name(s): sqw'ukwchus (fruit); skw’uqwcusulhp, sqw’ukwcusulhp (shrub)
Island Halkomelem Name(s): sqw’uqwcus (fruit and/or shrub)

Description, Habitat, Ecology, & Distribution:
      Red huckleberry is a shrub (to 4 m [13 ft] tall) that grows in moist to dry forests at a range of elevations. The flowers are small, urn-shaped to egg-shaped, and greenish-yellow to pinkish. The fruits are bright red round berries. This species occurs throughout the coast.

Upriver Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
     The berries were obtained by clubbing the branches on the hand and catching the berries in a basket.

Downriver Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
Island Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
     The small, red fruits are a traditional food item of all the Halkomelem-speaking groups. They may be eaten fresh or cooked and made into jam.