Squaw Vine
(Mitchella repens)
partridgeberry, checkerberry, deerberry, winter clover

Description: An evergreen with paired, roundish leaves along a slightly woody, creeping stem. The leaves are variegated with whitish lines. Pink or white 4 petaled flowers, in twin-like union, terminate the stem. The fruit is a bright red berry, remaining on the stem through the winter. Found in eastern, central North America in moist or dry woods.

Edible, Medicinal: The berries are edible, but dry, seedy and bland. They are added to salads for color. It is a diuretic, tonic, and astringent. The dried or fresh leaf or berry tea is used mainly for a pregnancy tonic, delayed, irregular or painful menstruation,
to ease childbirth, for piles,and dysentery. Used as a wash for sore nipples, swellings, hives, arthritis.
Good for uterine complaints, diarrhea, edema. Used as a substitute for pipsissewa. Use with medical advise.