Thinleaf Huckleberry
Vaccinium membranaceum
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
iNaturalist: © alexgraeff (iNaturalist #122222181)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Genus:
- Vaccinium
- Species:
- Vaccinium membranaceum
- USDA Symbol:
- VAME
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
- Food Forest:
- Contains edible parts
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals, bears
- Fall Color:
- red, orange
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Can resprout from rhizomes after fire; benefits from periodic fire to reduce competition.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.0 - 5.5 (strongly acidic to acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Prefers open, sunny locations in native habitats
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy.
Pre-treatment: For cuttings, re-cut and remove terminal buds. Treat with 2,000 ppm liquid IBA and place in 1:1 peat: perlite rooting medium in mistbed with bottom heat. For seeds, sow into trays filled with stabilized medium plugs (Q-plugs), seal trays inside plastic bags and refrigerate at 33.8 to 37.4 °F for 60 days. Keep moist and treat with 1% hydrogen peroxide if mold is evident.
Establishment: Cuttings may benefit from inoculation with ericoid mycorrhizal fungi during rooting. Softwood cuttings have higher number and quality of roots compared to semi-hardwood cuttings. Higher concentrations of IBA should be tried using cuttings with 2 yr old wood. Seed germination is extremely slow and somewhat uneven.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)