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Inflorescence a raceme, 2-8 cm long, 6-15 flowered; flower radially symmetric, 6-10mm across; tepals 6, distinct, 4-5 mm long, 1.5-2 mm wide, narrowly oblong to lance-shaped, white; stamens 6, inserted at tepal base; pistils 1, stigma 3-lobed, ovary superior

Medical uses: Several native North American Indian tribes used this plant to treat a variety or medical problems. A tea made from the roots was used to regulate menstrual disorders. A decoction of the leaves was taken to treat rheumatism and colds. It was also believed that drinking a half cup of leaf tea daily for a week would prevent conception. The root can be used for pain-relief, as an antiseptic, or to check bleeding. They can assist in healing for disorders and disases of the eye and also have substances which give strength and tone to the stomach. The pulped root has been used as ear drops to treat ear aches. Ethno-botanical uses: The fruit is edible raw or cooked and is a good source of vitamin C. The raw fruit is said to be a laxative when eaten in large quantity.The young leaves are also edible raw or cooked, and the young shoots can be used as a substitute for asaparagus.

Alberta: throughout all of Alberta except the Northwest corner of the province CAN (BC, LB, MB, NB, NF, NS, NT, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT); USA (AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY); FRA (SPM)