Clasping leaf (clasp leaf) twisted stalk, also: Owl Berries, Witch Berries, Frog Berries Streptopus amplexifolius (L.) DC Family: Liliaceae. Found in moist to wet areas, woods, lowlands and mountains. Short fibrous rhizomes with numerous rootlets. Leaves light green, alternate, elliptical. Bases of leaves wrapped partly around stalk. Greenish white flowers, sepals curved upward and outward, typically one per leaf axil. Flower stalk has a kink or twist in the stalk. Berry red. Plant can be found trans-continentally in Canada and the United States along the northern tier of states.

In young stages this plant could be misidentified. A poisonous look a like is false hellebore.

Native American Medicine: Northwest nations such as Haida, Masset, Skidegate, Thompson, Okanagon, Alaskan, Makah, Micmac, Montagnais used the plant as medicine, food. Infusion of stems and berries for general malaise, panacea. Compounded with other medicinal plants for synergistic effect. Use in infusion to treat kidney problems, spitting of blood, venereal disease, stomach problems, appetite stimulant. Root in decoction for internal pain, roots chewed for labor pains in protracted labor.

Wild Food: Berries eaten as food. New growth in spring eaten raw, in salads. Young leaves cooked and eaten. The evidence for food is scant. Root has cucumber flavor and is eaten in salads in small amounts by Kaigani Haida. Many tribes believe the berries poisonous. Numerous pioneer groups have eaten the berries and perhaps that is where the Native Americans first experienced the practice. As a member of the lily family be cautious. Pojar and Mackinnon, Canadian authors report most First People believe the plant poisonous. Other authors, Moerman and Turner, report it eaten as food with some Native People.

Veterinarian/Wildlife: Native Americans have observed wolves, snakes and deer eating berries. Thus the names: Owl Berries, Witch Berries, Frog Berries.