Vaccinium membranaceum aka Thin Leaf Huckleberry

Vaccinium membranaceum is a deciduous shrub in the heath family. Its names include mountain huckleberry, big huckleberry, and thinleaf huckleberry. It grows in western and eastern Canada and northern and western states. Its range reaches from Alaska south to California. Outlying groups grow near the Great Lakes. Much of its range lies in high, cold mountain country. It grows in moist woods, thickets, and woodland edges.

Sources give different heights for this densely branched shrub. A useful garden range is 3–6 feet (0.9–1.8 metres). Oregon State gives a lower range of 1–5 feet (0.3–1.5 metres). Plants For A Future lists about 3.3 feet (1 metre). Underground rhizomes help it spread and regrow after fire. Young twigs have a yellow-green tint and slightly angled sides. Older stems have gray bark that peels in strips. The thin leaves grow alternately along the stems. They have oval shapes, pointed tips, and fine edge teeth. Pale green leaves turn red or purple in fall.

Small flowers hang alone where leaves join the stems. Their joined petals form rounded bells or urns. Flower shades range from greenish white to pink. Virginia Tech places bloom in the middle of spring. Plants For A Future gives June to July. Each flower has both male and female parts. Insects pollinate them. Berries ripen in late summer and may look slightly flattened. Their skins range from red through dark purple to black. They have little or no waxy coating.

Grow this shrub in moist, acid soil that drains well. Sandy soil and light loam suit it. Leaf mould can help enrich the soil. Plants For A Future gives a pH range of 4.5–6. Lime can cause leaves to lose their green colour. Full sun or light shade suits the plant. Sun gives better fruit crops. Shelter it from strong winds and avoid disturbing its roots. Established plants can withstand drought despite their preference for moist soil. Sources support USDA zone 5 hardiness; one lists zones 5–9.

The shrub suits woodland edges and gardens with dappled shade. Its fruit tastes sweet and tart and provides vitamin C. Eat the berries fresh or cook them. Indigenous North Americans also dried berries for winter food. They used autumn burns to maintain productive berry patches. Severe fires can kill stems, though rhizomes may sprout again. Traditional remedies used roots and stems for heart and joint complaints. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards.