Primary food source for a number of California Indians. Wood also used for bow.
Indians poured hot water over berries to create cider. Wood was also used as a bow.
Indians brewed flowers for fevers, upset stomach, flu. One of the richest sources of vitamin C! Stems used for arrow shaft and flutes. Raw berry can cause nausea, but dried or cooked are OK.
Indians would use the leave as mosquito repellent.
The red berrys are not edible but if properly prepared can be used for flour.
The leaves are very strong and used for water proof baskets. The leaves were used as a needle and thread to make clothes and homes. The root is used for soap.
The red fruits are edible but watch for very small spines. The green leaf can be cooked and eaten and is still commonly done in LA.
The leaf is what they make asprin from and the Indians would chew them for toothaches.
The seeds were ground to a fine dust and put in the stream to catch fish.