Cloudberry
Also called salmonberry, baked apple berry, or bakeapple berry
- Iñupiaq name: Aqpik or Akpik
- Family: Rosaceae
- Scientific name: Rubus chamaemorus
- Distinguishing characteristics: Large rounded leaves are green with slightly red edges. The plant produces a solitary white flower with five petals. Berries strongly resemble the shape and size of raspberries.
- Similar species: Cloudberry can sometimes be confused with Arctic bramble, but that produces dark red berries and is not commonly found on the North Slope. The single salmon-colored berry on each stem of the cloudberry plant is a sure giveaway.
- Habitat: Wet tundra or bogs, typically prefers moist soil and sunny areas.
- Best time to harvest: Spring - berries are ripe when salmon colored.
- Uses: Berries can be eaten freshly picked or boiled, or traditionally stored in oil. Today, cloudberries are made into jam, pies or other desserts.
Photo courtesy of the GVSU Arctic Ecology Program
Photo courtesy of the GVSU Arctic Ecology Program
Photo by Gwenda Diack