Serviceberry / Lelachpattichteak / Kosukwaahkwimin

Shawanameen'shee has descriptive English names that you might be familiar with: Shadbush, Serviceberry, Juneberry, Shadwood, and Saskatoon Berry.

Across Lenapehoking, this tree is known as Shadbush. The name comes from Lenape communities who have recognized that the tree’s blooms coincide with shad migrating up rivers and streams. On the calendar, March is recognized as Shëwanamèkwi Kishux in Lenape, or Shad Month. 

In Potawatomi, the name for this tree is Bozakmin, which translates to best of the berries. The plump, dark purple berries often ripen in June – and so this plant has also developed the name Juneberry. 

Shawanameen’shee berries have a subtle flavor, reminiscent of blueberries and almonds. They are savored as both a fresh and a dried food. The Haudenosaunee have made the dried berries into a sauce or mixed them into cornbread. Many tribal communities have also mixed the dried fruits with dried meat and fat to create pemmican, a high-protein and filling food.

Learn more about the other native plants on “The Place Where Plants Grow - Enta Sakink Epëmawsiwikil” by clicking here and returning to the plant list.