Saskatoon provides winter browse for many hoofed mammals and many bird species. Saskatoon was a widely used berry for Central and Southern Native peoples. Dried Saskatoons were a common trading item, especially between the Interior and the Coast. Native people recognize up to eight different varieties based on differences in flowering time, size, texture, and sweetness of the fruit. Maple and Saskatoon sticks were boiled together to make a medicinal drink. They were dried for storage or as cakes, eaten fresh, or mixed with Willa. Saskatoon wood was also used in the manufacture of meinip, a traditional Secwepmc harpoon.