A prickly berry-bearing shrub, also called buffalo berry or soopolallie, native to western North America with small reddish or purplish berries.
From 'bull' (possibly referring to its tough, hardy nature or aggressive thorns) + 'berry' (the fruit). The exact origin of 'bull' in this context is unclear but may reference the plant's robust, aggressive growth.
Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest whipped bullberries into a foam dessert called 'Indian ice cream,' and the berries are so nutritious that they're now being studied as a superfood for northern climates facing agricultural changes.
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