• Iñupiaq name: Kimmigñaq, Kimmiŋñaq, or Kimmigñauraq
• Family: Ericaceae
• Scientific name: Vaccinium vitis-idaea
• Distinguishing characteristics: Small shrub, 1-2 inches tall with small glossy evergreen leaves. Tiny pink, bell-shaped flowers followed by small red berries. 
• Similar species: Because of it's distinctive flowers, this plant can be confused with other members of the Ericaceae family, like bearberry or blackberry. To distinguish it from other berry producing plants, look to the oval or egg-shaped leaves looking almost like those of wintergreen. 
• Habitat: Dry meadows
• Best time to harvest: Mid-August to Mid-October.
• Uses: The bitter/tart berries may be eaten freshly picked or made into jam. Leaves and stems are traditionally boiled to make tea. Berries often overwinter on the plant and become sweeter in spring.

Photos courtesy of the Grand Valley State University Arctic Ecology Program