Thirty-seven of the forty species presented in the book are present in the State of Maine.

Excerpt from Author’s Preface:

“So here it is, a collection of over forty Labrador berries — some with an important part in Labrador history, some hidden and hardly known. Some with many names, some with only one name. Berries for food, berries for medicine. Berries for birds and animals, but not for people. Berries for everyone. Berries with a single habitat, berries that will grow anywhere. Some for beauty, some for play. Each berry with its own distinct character of root, leaf and stem, fruit and flower.”

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Here are examples of two species of berries that have a widespread range in the boreal forest zone of North America. One, a member of the dogwood family, commonly known as the bunchberry in field guides, but in Labrador, called ‘crackerberry.’ It has playful characteristics and edible uses, and names unique to Labrador. (pp. 17,18,19)

The other, a member of the lily family. The bluebead lily or clintonia is found whenever the coastal tundra is interrupted by a gulch or (small ravine). There, protected from the winds and cold, the lily grows with its lush basal leaves and delicate pale yellow flowers. It is a beautiful sight. (pp. 54, 55)