Vaccinium membranaceum, commonly known as Mountain Huckleberry, is a deciduous shrub native to coniferous and mixed forests, as well as alpine and subalpine zones in western North America, ranging from Alaska to California and extending east to the Rocky Mountains. It typically grows 1-5 feet tall and has a similar spread, with a bushy habit and multiple stems emerging from the base. The leaves are oval to elliptical, with finely serrated margins and a glossy green appearance. From late spring to early summer, the plant produces small, bell-shaped flowers that range in color from pink to waxy bronze, which are followed by edible, dark purple berries that ripen in late summer to fall. The berries are highly prized for their flavor and are a significant food source for wildlife.

Mountain Huckleberry is valued for its edible fruit, which is used in culinary dishes such as pies, jams, and syrups. It is also appreciated for its ornamental qualities, with attractive foliage and flowers, and is used in native plant gardens, wildlife habitats, and informal hedges. This shrub prefers acidic, well-drained soils and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is relatively low maintenance but benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote fruit production. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to fungal leaf spots and root rot in poorly drained conditions. It is important to note that Mountain Huckleberry can be slow to establish and may take several years to produce fruit.CC BY-SA 4.0