Mountain Huckleberry, Thinleaf huckleberry

Vaccinium membranaceum

Physical Characteristics

Vaccinium membranaceum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Western N. America - Michigan and Alaska to California.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[1, 159, 172, 257]. A sweet but rather acid flavour[11]. Sour but delicious according to other reports[177, 200]. A reasonable source of vitamin C[257]. This fruit is amongst the largest and best flavoured of all the wild blueberries[183]. The native North Americans would often dry the fruit for use in the winter[256].

Medicinal Uses

Antiarthritic Antiseptic Astringent Cardiac Carminative Hypoglycaemic Vitamin C Antiseptic, astringent, carminative, hypoglycaemic[172]. An infusion of the roots and stems has been used in the treatment of heart troubles, arthritis and rheumatism[257].

Known Hazards

None known