Farkleberry

/ˈfɑːrkəlbɛri/ noun

Definition

A small North American shrub (Vaccinium arboreum) bearing dark purple or black berries used to make jam or eaten fresh.

Etymology

Origin uncertain; possibly from German 'Färbelbeere' (dyer's berry) or folk etymology. The exact origin is obscure, but it's a distinctly American vernacular name.

Kelly Says

Farkleberry is a delightfully goofy name for what was probably a serious dye plant—it shows how folk names evolve and sometimes become nonsensical over generations of use!

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