Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.
Vaccinium membranaceum Dougl. ex Torr.
Mountain huckleberry, Square-twig blueberry, Thinleaf huckleberry
USDA Symbol: VAME
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
A spreading shrub, 1 1/2-6 ft. tall, with small oval leaves and single, pale yellowish-pink flowers hanging on short pedicels from leaf axils. The tubular flowers are followed by edible, purple or purplish-red berries.
This is an important and nutritious food source for Black and Grizzly Bears, which consume not only the berries but also other plant parts, as well as deer, Elk, Moose, and Ruffed Grouse.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Shrub Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Leaf Color: Green
Fruit Color: Purple, Red
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Pink , Yellow
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , ID , MI , MN , MT , OR , SD , UT , WA , WY
Canada: BC Native Distribution: B.C. to n. CA, e. to MT & ID; also two occurences in the Black Hills
Native Habitat: Conifer woods on mt. slopes
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet , Moist , Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: None
Soil Description: Moist to mesic, acid soil.
Conditions Comments: Not Available
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds
Propagation
Description: Vaccinium species are propagated by seeds, cuttings and rooted suckers of offshoots.
Seed Treatment: Dormancy varies. A 3 month cold-moist stratification may be necessary.
Commercially Avail: yes
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff
Go back