File:The crowberry or blackberry is a small evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves. It produces black fruit that is smaller, but (c223fd5c-1dd8-b71c-0748-9b0d34c44285).jpg

numerous berries, some red and some black

The crowberry or blackberry is a small evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves. It produces black fruit that is smaller, but somewhat more flavorful than the alpine bearberry. It is common in tundra and muskeg but is also found in spruce forests. The berries are usually collected in the fall of the year but if not picked they may persist on the plant and can be picked in the spring. The raw berries are mealy and tasteless, but cooking enhances the flavor. They can be mixed with blueberries to "bulk up" a batch of pie filling or jam. Dena'ina Athabascan people traditionally harvest these berries for winter use because they keep well in a cool place without any special preparation. The leaves and stems are Dena'ina medicine for diarrhea and stomach problems, and some say the juice is good for kidney trouble and eye infections.