Big Huckleberry
Vaccinium membranaceum
Ericaceae · broadleaf · native
Big huckleberry is a deciduous, rhizomatous shrub reaching 1-5 feet, distributed from Alaska and British Columbia south through the Cascade and Olympic mountains to California, and east to Ontario, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Minnesota. The densely branched plant bears thin, elliptical to ovate leaves (1.5-5 cm) that are bright pale green with sharp serrate margins (rarely entire).
Big huckleberry thrives in partial shade on moist, well-drained, acidic soils rich in organic matter; it is one of the most shade-tolerant huckleberries. Provide consistent moisture and shelter from harsh afternoon sun. The plant spreads slowly via rhizomes and is long-lived. The sweet berries are highly valued by humans, wildlife, and indigenous peoples.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
| Stage | Typical Window |
|---|---|
| Bud break BBCH 07 | Feb 15-Mar 15 |
| Leaf emergence BBCH 11 | Mar 1-Apr 1 |
| Bloom start BBCH 61 | May 1-May 31 |
| Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69 | May 15-Jun 15 |
| Fruit/seed development BBCH 71 | Mar 15-May 31 |
| Fruit/seed maturity BBCH 85 | Jun 1-Aug 31 |
| Leaf drop BBCH 93 | Oct 15-Nov 30 |
| Dormancy BBCH 97 | Nov 15-Feb 28 |