Hawthorn, or thornberry, is a medium-sized tree with branches that have long thorns and pinkish-white flowers that emit a pungent, fishy smell. There are hundreds of hawthorn species across the world.

Interior Salish peoples used two species: red hawthorn and black hawthorn. These names are based on the color of the plant’s berries. The seedy berries, typically harvested in August, may be eaten fresh or mashed and formed into cakes to be stored.

The Salish also used hawthorn medicinally to treat sore throats and mouths, urinary tract problems, and diarrhea. Tea from the flowers can serve as a cleaning spring tonic. The Salish used the red hawthorn as toothpicks, probes, needles, and for a game similar to pinball, and they fashioned black hawthorn wood into digging sticks, mauls, and clubs.