Cascara?

[MountainWalk]

I keep seeing references to cascara. What is it? A berry I presume..Does it grow on vines or like oregon grape on a low growing bush? Leaf pattern? Does it grow in lowland wet places? Id appreciate any info.

[PWN Kurt]

Its a small tree.  Diciduous, but small plants may retain leaves over mild winters.  It has leaves that resemble alder in size and shape,  grey bark, and they actually have a similar type of habitat...bottom lands and somewhat shady spots.  They do produce some black, purplish/black berries that are edible but not super tastey for people.

Indiginous people used the bark in a tea as a laxitive.

Kurt

[MountainWalk]

Thanks!.I cant recall off hand if I have ever come across any. Will keep an eye out though.

[Ray]

check it out http://www.nonprofitpages.com/nica/Sharingwood/Berries/Berries.htm

I never knew what they were before today. I found them though on that page and I have seen them before.

[billythekidrock]

.

[billythekidrock]

check it out http://www.nonprofitpages.com/nica/Sharingwood/Berries/Berries.htm

I never knew what they were before today. I found them though on that page and I have seen them before.

Hey Ray, that's a pretty good link.

[Ray]

thanks to google image search

[MountainWalk]

I have tons of that stuff growing on my place, always thought it was young alder. None of mine are too terribly big.

[UncleBuck]

When I was a kid I thought I could get rich selling cascara bark. A buddy and I thought we could make enough money to buy an electric game caller. After several weekends of peeling that stuff, them drying and busting it up. We each made enough to buy a pair of electric sox. At the time I think they were  paying 6 cents a pound dried. 

[billythekidrock]

Alder Leaf


See the difference from the Cascara leaf above.

[MountainWalk]

Aye, I do see the difference. Very similar. So bears eat the cascara berries?
Ive not noticed any bear signs on those at my place, but they do seem fit to tear up my firs and cedars.  Thanks Billy and Ray.

[billythekidrock]

They will tear up the cascara to get at the berries. Here is a link to some damage. Ghost Hunter knows right where this is.

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,5971.0.html

[edmondshunter]

West siders, don't forget about Amelanchier (service berry).Multi trunk to about 20ft deciduous, under story plant. I see them most near development.  Edible to humans and bear/deer love um