Cloudberry: Rubus chamaemorus

Other names: Salmonberry

The common name for this plant is Cloudberry which has a very interesting past. It comes from the old English ‘clud’ meaning ‘rocky hill’. Another name for it was ‘knottberry’ because the English ‘knot’ or Norwegian ‘knott’ meaning “rocky hill”. Today the cloudberry is sometimes called Salmonberry by natives of northern Alaska. True Salmonberry however is Rubus spectabilis and is much larger than the low-growing Cloudberry.

This plant is found throughout northern regions of North America and Eurasia. Its been a stable food for many of the indigenous groups of the area as well.

Medicinal Use: none

Food use: The fruits can be combined to make jams or eaten raw while on the trail. The leaves can be added to salads as an edible addition. The leaves either fresh or dried can be used to make a tasty tea. Be careful, however when picking wilted leaves, because they become slightly toxic at this stage.