Squawvine is a creeping shrubby plant that occurs naturally throughout the moist woodlands of eastern North America. While the vine-like foliage behaves like a groundcover beneath forest leaf litter, the fruits are visited by foxes and grouse, which inspired the alternate names partridge berry and running fox. The name squawvine refers to the plant’s frequent use by Native American women.
While the leaf is usually prepared as tea, the powdered herb, which includes both leaf and fruit, is typically tinctured. Sometimes squawvine is tinctured with other herbs with astringent qualities, such as myrrh. The powdered herb may also be encapsulated as a dietary supplement.
