Vaccinium membranaceum is a
deciduous, multi-stemmed native shrub known as the
Mountain Huckleberry, Big Huckleberry, or Thinleaf Huckleberry. It grows 1 to 5 feet tall, features thin oval leaves that turn bright red-purple in autumn, produces small pinkish-white urn-shaped spring flowers, and yields prized dark purple-black edible summer berries.
Mountain Huckleberry is native to Western North America, stretching from Alaska and British Columbia down through the Cascade and Olympic ranges to California, and eastward to the Rocky Mountains and the Great Lakes region. Grows in USDA Zone 4 to 8. Thrives in subalpine zones, open mountain slopes, and coniferous forest understories.
Berries are exceptionally flavorful and sweet. They are eaten fresh or traditionally mashed and dried into cakes by Indigenous peoples, and widely used today in jams, syrups, and baked goods.
Provides critical food sources and summer forage for bears, small mammals, and mountain birds.
Plant in full sun to partial shade; yields significantly more fruit in sunnier locations, but benefits from afternoon shade in hotter lower-elevation climates.
Requires well-draining, highly organic, and strongly acidic soil (ideal pH between 4.5 and 5.6). It dislikes heavy clay or compacted soils. Prefers evenly moist soil, especially during establishment and the growing season, though it has moderate drought tolerance once mature.
Mountain Huckleberry is notoriously slow and fussy to transplant. Do not bare root or disturb roots when transplanting. Patience is required as they establish root systems via underground rhizomes.
Plants will be available to ship in February of 2027. We will open up ordering in September. Let us know when you would like us to ship.
Ships with leaves in Spring and Summer and dormant without leaves in Fall and Winter.
Free Shipping to most locations. Shipping larger boxes or to AK, HI, APO, US Territories, or areas considered remote may have a freight surcharge.
If your temperature is warmer than 89 degrees or colder than 20 degrees, we will hold order until temperature improves. Please put your desired ship date in Special Instructions to Seller at checkout.
All plants are inspected for quality prior to shipment. Plants are rarely damaged in shipping, but if they are, please let us know right away so we can help. If there is any plant damage, take a photo of the package and plants. This will help us solve the problem. Please message us prior to placing your order if you have any questions.
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