Vaccinium membranaceum

Common Names

Mountain Huckleberry, Black Huckleberry, Thinleaf Huckleberry, Big Huckleberry, Tall Huckleberry, Blue Huckleberry, Square-Twig Blueberry

Summary

Mountain Huckleberry is a deciduous, rhizomatous shrub typically 1–5 ft tall, forming clumps from underground rhizomes, native to western North America and occupying subalpine and alpine habitats in coniferous forests and open meadows, with very thin, membranous leaves and urn-shaped flowers that are pale pink to waxy bronze, followed by edible berries that are among the largest and best-flavoured of wild blueberries.

In cultivation, it requires moist, well-drained lime-free soil with a very acidic pH (about 4.5–6) and full sun to light shade, sheltered from strong winds; established plants are drought tolerant and hardy to about -40°C. Propagation options include sowing seed in lime-free potting mix (cold stratification sometimes recommended) or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer; layering is also possible. Fruits are edible raw or cooked, with notable wildlife value and historical use; Native Americans dried the fruit for winter.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-5 feet

Spread

3-5 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5a-8b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, from full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Acidic, lime-free, well-drained, moist soil with high organic matter, pH 4.5–6

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

4.5-6.0, Acidic

Bloom Color

Creamy-pink

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green foliage; spring bright green and summer rich green, fall colors orange, red, burgundy, and purple.

Fall Foliage Color

Red to purple

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, Attracts birds, Attracts other pollinators