Vaccinium scoparium aka Grouse Whortleberry

Vaccinium scoparium is a small, deciduous shrub in the heath family, Ericaceae. Common names include grouseberry, small-leaved huckleberry, and red alpine blueberry. Its native range spans western Canada and the western United States. It also reaches parts of the west-central United States. It grows at high elevations in subalpine or subarctic climates. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

Size accounts differ between sources. Plants For A Future gives a height of 0.7 feet [0.2 metres]. Virginia Tech describes plants usually below 1.5 feet [0.46 metres]. The shrub has many branches and may form low mats. Other plants hold their stems upright. Thin twigs bend in a zigzag pattern and have angled edges. Their colour ranges from green to red. Small, pointed buds sit along them. Smooth bark ranges from grey-brown to reddish brown.

The leaves grow alternately along the stems. Each simple blade is oval to egg-shaped, with fine teeth. The upper face is green, while the underside is paler. Small pink flowers hang singly and have a bell shape. Plants For A Future records flowering in May. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers. Small red berries follow, measuring about 0.01–0.02 feet [0.004–0.006 metres] across.

Grow this shrub in moist soil that drains well. It needs acid soil without lime, ideally pH 4.5–6. Lime can cause its leaves to turn yellow through chlorosis. Sandy soil or light loam suits it. Leaf mould can enrich the growing soil. It accepts full sun or light shade. A sunny site gives better fruit crops. Shelter it from strong winds and avoid disturbing its roots. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 3–7. Its low form suits cultivated beds with suitable acid soil.

The berries are edible fresh or cooked. They can go into pies, preserves, bread, and muffins. Dried berries can flavour foods or help thicken soup. Fresh or dried leaves can make tea. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards. This does not establish safety for every person or animal. It records traditional uses for nausea and poor appetite. Those records do not establish medical benefit. The branches have also served as brooms.