Standard English Name(s): snowberry, waxberry
Local English Name(s) (if different from above):
Scientific Name(s): Symphoricarpos albus (L.) Blake
Upriver Halkomelem Name(s): pupq'uya:s (fruit), quwawulhp (shrub)
Downriver Halkomelem Name(s): pupqaya:sulhp, quwewulhp (shrub)
Island Halkomelem Name(s): p'i'p'q'i'as (fruit)

Description, Habitat, Ecology, & Distribution:
      Snowberry is a small shrub (to 2 m [6 ft] tall) that produces small pink to white flowers followed by white berry-like fruits. These fruits stay on the shrub well into the winter. Soapberry occurs in dry to moist areas such as open forests, thickets, and other habitats from low to middle elevations throughout the coast.

Upriver Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
     The berries are considered to be inedible.
Downriver Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
     The juice of the leaves, held in the mouth, were swallowed to treat tuberculosis.
Island Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
     An infusion of the bark was used as an eyewash.