Standard English Name(s): bitter cherry
Local English Name(s) (if different from above): wild cherry
Scientific Name(s): Prunus emarginata (Dougl.) Walp.
Upriver Halkomelem Name(s): t’ulum (bark), t’ulumulhp (tree)
Downriver Halkomelem Name(s): t’ulum (bark), t’ulumulhp (tree)
Island Halkomelem Name(s): t’ulum (bark), t’ulumulhp (tree)

Description, Habitat, Ecology, & Distribution:
     Bitter cherry is a shrub to small tree, growing from 2-15 m (6.5-49 ft) tall. The deciduous leaves are finely toothed and rounded at the tips. The bark is smooth, reddish-brown or grey, and with prominent horizontal rows of raised pores. The white or pinkish flowers produce small red cherries. Bitter cherry grows in moist areas in forests and along streams from low to middle elevations.

Upriver Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
     The outer bark was peeled and used to decorate baskets. The inner bark was used as a diarrhea medicine. The fruits were not eaten, but have been used to thicken jams and jellies.

Downriver Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
     The bark was used for binding. Teas made from the bark and dried fruits were used to treat tuberculosis.

Island Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
     The inner bark of bitter cherry has been used as an internal medicine for various respiratory ailments and as an external medicine, as it is considered to be good in the treatment of infection. The flexible yet strong outer bark has been used as a wrapping to attach points to fishing spear or harpoon shafts.