Big Huckleberry
Vaccinium membranaceum
Ericaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · native
Last updated
Big huckleberry (mountain huckleberry, thinleaf huckleberry) is a native broadleaf shrub reaching 1-5 ft with multiple stems and semi-erect form. It produces purple flowers and black edible berries. Distribution spans Alaska through the northern Rockies to California and eastward.
Big huckleberry is hardy in zones 5a-8b and prefers sun to part shade with wet-tolerant soil (pH 4.5-5.6). Growth is moderate with low moisture needs once established. Long lifespan and notably low drought tolerance suit it to naturally moist, high-precipitation environments.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of April 3, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1070 to 1180.6 GDD₃₂. Big Huckleberry has passed 'first bloom' (1033 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 3, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,181 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 1,171 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,111 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,106 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,101 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,075 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,070 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'Bud break' BBCH '07' | 607 | '' |
| 'Leaf emergence' BBCH '11' | 780 | '' |
| ● 'First bloom' BBCH '61' NOW | 1033 | '' |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? GDD₃₂ thresholds from USA National Phenology Network citizen science observations (WA+OR). Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 3, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Apr 19, 2026, then climate normals.