sandcherry
Rosaceae

sandcherry

Prunus pumila L.

Indigenous Names: tȟaȟpíyoǧiŋ, Muh ko ta mins
Habitat: woodland; Dry to moist; open sites; plains to montane; southern Northwest Territory, Canada to New Mexico
Seasonality: Not specified
Status: Native

Traditional Food Use

Lakota

The leaves are made into tea for Sundancers. The fruits are eaten raw or dried for later.

Ceremonial & Cultural Notes

Lakota

Bundles of branches are tied to Sundance poles as a sacred offering.

Botanical Reference

Parts Documented: leaf, fruit_or_berry, stem, fruit

Distribution: Native to North American Plains; widespread regional distribution; Dry to moist; open sites; plains to montane; southern Northwest Territory, Canada to New Mexico