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'''''Vaccinium membranaceum''''' is a species within the group of Vaccinium commonly referred to as [[huckleberry]]. This particular species is known by the common names '''thinleaf huckleberry''', '''tall huckleberry''', '''big huckleberry''', '''mountain huckleberry''', '''square-twig blueberry''', and (ambiguously) as '''"[[black huckleberry]]"'''.
⚫
== Geographic Distribution ==

'''''Vaccinium membranaceum''''' is a species within the group of Vaccinium commonly referred to as [[huckleberry]]. This particular species is known by the common names '''thinleaf huckleberry''', '''tall huckleberry''', '''big huckleberry''', '''mountain huckleberry''', '''square-twig blueberry''', and (ambiguously) as '''"[[black huckleberry]]"'''. It is native to western North America, with a range extending in the northern from southern [[Alaska]] and northwestern Canada to the northern mountains of [[California]] to the south. It can be found from the mountains next to the [[Pacific Ocean]] in the west, to the [[Rocky Mountains]] in the east. Isolated populations of this species have been found in [[Arizona]], [[North Dakota]], [[Minnesota]], the [[Upper Peninsula of Michigan]], and [[Ontario]], [[Canada]].<ref name="VanderKloet, 1988">{{cite book|last=VanderKloet|first=Sam|title=The Genus Vaccinium in North America|year=1988|publisher=Research Branch, Agriculture Canada|location=Ottawa, ON}}</ref>
⚫
==Distribution ==
''Vaccinium membranaceum'' is native to western North America, with a range extending in the northern from southern [[Alaska]] and northwestern Canada to the northern mountains of [[California]] to the south. It can be found from the mountains next to the [[Pacific Ocean]] in the west, to the [[Rocky Mountains]] in the east.

Isolated populations of this species have been found in [[Arizona]], [[North Dakota]], [[Minnesota]], the [[Upper Peninsula of Michigan]], and [[Ontario]], [[Canada]].<ref name="VanderKloet, 1988">{{cite book|last=VanderKloet|first=Sam|title=The Genus Vaccinium in North America|year=1988|publisher=Research Branch, Agriculture Canada|location=Ottawa, ON}}</ref>


==Ecology & Physiology==
''Vaccinium membranaceum'' grows at higher elevations in [[subalpine]] and [[alpine tundra|alpine]] environments. It occurs in both [[pine]] and [[spruce]] dominated forests and in open meadow ecosystems. In forests ''V. membranaceum''often dominates the forest [[understory]] during early to mid stages of [[succession]].<ref name=fs>[http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/vacmem/all.html US Forest Service Fire Ecology]</ref> ''Vaccinium membranceum'' is fire adapted. The leaves and stems of the huckleberry are resistant to low-intensity fires, and if burned away they will resprout vigorously from rhizomes buried under the soil.<ref name=fs/>
''Vaccinium membranaceum'' grows at higher elevations in [[subalpine]] and [[alpine tundra|alpine]] environments. It occurs in both [[pine]] and [[spruce]] dominated forests and in open meadow ecosystems. In forests ''V. membranaceum''often dominates the forest [[understory]] during early to mid stages of [[succession]].<ref name=fs>[http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/vacmem/all.html US Forest Service Fire Ecology]</ref> ''Vaccinium membranceum'' is fire adapted. The leaves and stems of the huckleberry are resistant to low-intensity fires, and if burned away they will resprout vigorously from rhizomes buried under the soil.<ref name=fs/>


==Description==
⚫
''Vaccinium membranaceum'' is an erect [[shrub]] growing up to 1.5 meters in maximum height. The new twigs are yellow-green and somewhat angled. The [[deciduous]] leaves are alternately arranged. The very thin to membranous, oval leaf blades are up to 5 centimeters long. The edges are serrated, with each tiny tooth tipped with a glandular hair. Solitary flowers occur in the leaf axils. Each is around 6 millimeters long, [[urn]]-shaped to cylindrical, and pale pink to waxy bronze in color. They are [[pollination|pollinated]] by [[bee]]s.<ref name=fs/> The fruit mature fruit ranges in colour from red through bluish-purple to a dark, almost black [[berry]] about a centimeter wide. Each fruit contains an average of 47 tiny seeds.<ref name=fs/> The plant rarely reproduces via seed, rather, it usually spreads by [[Vegetative reproduction|cloning]] itself from its [[rhizome]] or shoots.<ref name=fs/> The seeds do [[germination|germinate]] if [[biological dispersal|dispersed]] by animals, however, as evidenced by populations of the plant growing on the recovering section of [[Mount St. Helens]].<ref>Yang, S., et al. (2008). Colonization genetics of an animal-dispersed plant (''Vaccinium membranaceum'') at Mount St Helens, Washington. ''Molecular Genetics'' 17:3 731-40.</ref> Other than the study by Yang et al. (2008) reports of ''V. membranaceum'' sprouting from seed are quite rare with other scientists who have studied this species reporting only 6 seedlings observed during 18 years in the field.<ref name="Stark & Baker, 1992">{{cite book|last=Stark and Baker|title=The Ecology and Culture of Montana Huckleberries: A guide for growers and researchers|year=1992|publisher=University of Montana, School of Forestry|location=Missoula, MT}}</ref>
''Vaccinium membranaceum'' is an erect [[shrub]] growing up to {{convert|1.5|m|ft}} in maximum height. The new twigs are yellow-green and somewhat angled. The [[deciduous]] leaves are alternately arranged. The very thin to membranous, oval leaf blades are up to 5 centimeters long. The edges are serrated, with each tiny tooth tipped with a glandular hair. Solitary flowers occur in the leaf axils. Each is around 6 millimeters long, [[urn]]-shaped to cylindrical, and pale pink to waxy bronze in color.

They are [[pollination|pollinated]] by [[bee]]s.<ref name=fs/> The fruit mature fruit ranges in colour from red through bluish-purple to a dark, almost black [[berry]] about a centimeter wide. Each fruit contains an average of 47 tiny seeds.<ref name=fs/>

;Reproduction
⚫
The plant rarely reproduces via seed, rather, it usually spreads by [[Vegetative reproduction|cloning]] itself from its [[rhizome]] or shoots.<ref name=fs/> The seeds do [[germination|germinate]] if [[biological dispersal|dispersed]] by animals, however, as evidenced by populations of the plant growing on the recovering section of [[Mount St. Helens]].<ref>Yang, S., et al. (2008). Colonization genetics of an animal-dispersed plant (''Vaccinium membranaceum'') at Mount St Helens, Washington. ''Molecular Genetics'' 17:3 731-40.</ref> Other than the study by Yang et al. (2008) reports of ''V. membranaceum'' sprouting from seed are quite rare with other scientists who have studied this species reporting only 6 seedlings observed during 18 years in the field.<ref name="Stark & Baker, 1992">{{cite book|last=Stark and Baker|title=The Ecology and Culture of Montana Huckleberries: A guide for growers and researchers|year=1992|publisher=University of Montana, School of Forestry|location=Missoula, MT}}</ref>


== Uses ==
== Uses ==
===Culinary===
⚫
In a good year ''Vaccinium membranaceum'' shrubs produce a lot of fruit. The amount of fruit produced by these shrubs is legendary, with stories being told of mountain sides turned purple by all of the fruit, or shrubs being weighed to the ground by large, and abundant berries <ref name="Bowen, 1988">{{cite book|last=Bowen|first=Asta|title=The Huckleberry Book|year=1988}}</ref> Both humans and wildlife enjoy feasting on this fruit in the late summer and early fall. People have been eating the fruit of this species for thousands of years. It was and continues to be widely used for food by [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Native Americans]].<ref name=fna/> The [[Kutenai people|Kutenai]] called the black huckleberry '''shawíash''' ([[Kutenai language|Ktunaxa]]: ǂawiyaǂ).<ref>{{Cite web
⚫
''Vaccinium membranaceum'' is this species that is the most commonly collected of all of the wild western huckleberries, and it has great commercial importance.<ref name=fna>[http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=250065708 Flora of North America]</ref> In a good year ''Vaccinium membranaceum'' shrubs produce a lot of fruit. The amount of fruit produced by these shrubs is legendary, with stories being told of mountain sides turned purple by all of the fruit, or shrubs being weighed to the ground by large, and abundant berries <ref name="Bowen, 1988">{{cite book|last=Bowen|first=Asta|title=The Huckleberry Book|year=1988}}</ref>

;Native Americans
⚫
Both humans and wildlife enjoy feasting on this fruit in the late summer and early fall. People have been eating the fruit of this species for thousands of years. It was and continues to be widely used for food by [[Native Americans of the United States|Native Americans]].<ref name=fna/> The [[Kutenai people|Kutenai]] called the black huckleberry '''shawíash''' ([[Kutenai language|Ktunaxa]]: ǂawiyaǂ).<ref>{{Cite web
| title = FirstVoices- Ktunaxa. Plants: food plants: words.
| title = FirstVoices- Ktunaxa. Plants: food plants: words.
| accessdate = 2012-07-07
| accessdate = 2012-07-07
Line 28: Line 41:
}}</ref> [[Alaska Natives]] consumed it in bread and pies as a source of [[vitamin C]], the [[Coeur d'Alene people]] ate the fruit fresh, dried, mashed, cooked, and added it to soup or froze it for later use, and many other groups relished it and stored it frozen, dried, pressed into cakes, or canned for winter use.<ref>[http://herb.umd.umich.edu/herb/search.pl?searchstring=Vaccinium+membranaceum Ethnobotany]</ref>
}}</ref> [[Alaska Natives]] consumed it in bread and pies as a source of [[vitamin C]], the [[Coeur d'Alene people]] ate the fruit fresh, dried, mashed, cooked, and added it to soup or froze it for later use, and many other groups relished it and stored it frozen, dried, pressed into cakes, or canned for winter use.<ref>[http://herb.umd.umich.edu/herb/search.pl?searchstring=Vaccinium+membranaceum Ethnobotany]</ref>


;Wildlife
⚫
''Vaccinium membranaceum'' is this species that is the most commonly collected of all of the wild western huckleberries, and it has great commercial importance.<ref name=fna>[http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=250065708 Flora of North America]</ref>

The plant also provides a key food source for [[American black bear|black]] and [[grizzly bear]]s, which eat the leaves, stems, roots, and fruit.<ref name=fs/> [[Elk]], [[moose]], and [[white-tailed deer]] also browse the plant.<ref name=fs/> The thickets provide cover for many species of small animals.<ref name=fs/>
The plant also provides a key food source for [[American black bear|black]] and [[grizzly bear]]s, which eat the leaves, stems, roots, and fruit.<ref name=fs/> [[Elk]], [[moose]], and [[white-tailed deer]] also browse the plant.<ref name=fs/> The thickets provide cover for many species of small animals.<ref name=fs/>

;Symbol
⚫
The huckleberry is the [[List of U.S. state foods|official state fruit]] of [[Idaho]], with this particular species assumed to be the huckleberry in question.<ref>[http://www.netstate.com/states/symb/fruit/id_huckleberry.htm Netstate: Idaho State Fruit]</ref>


== Management ==
== Management ==
Some Native American groups lit carefully planned [[controlled burn]]s in wild huckleberry patches to promote fruit production by eliminating competing plants and by stimulating the huckleberry to sprout and spread.<ref name=fs/> Native American groups throughout the [[Pacific Northwest]] still utilize this plant as an important cultural food and are active in its management.<ref>Martin, L. P., et al. (2008). [http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/projects/huckleberry_enhancement/mbs-huckleberry-mgmt-monitoring-plan-20081003.pdf Management and monitoring plan for the enhancement of big huckleberry in Government Meadows, Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.] USDA Forest Service.</ref>
Some Native American groups lit carefully planned [[controlled burn]]s in wild huckleberry patches to promote fruit production by eliminating competing plants and by stimulating the huckleberry to sprout and spread.<ref name=fs/> Native American groups throughout the [[Pacific Northwest]] still utilize this plant as an important cultural food and are active in its management.<ref>Martin, L. P., et al. (2008). [http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/projects/huckleberry_enhancement/mbs-huckleberry-mgmt-monitoring-plan-20081003.pdf Management and monitoring plan for the enhancement of big huckleberry in Government Meadows, Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.] USDA Forest Service.</ref>

==Interesting Facts==
⚫
The huckleberry is the [[List of U.S. state foods|official state fruit]] of [[Idaho]], with this particular species assumed to be the huckleberry in question.<ref>[http://www.netstate.com/states/symb/fruit/id_huckleberry.htm Netstate: Idaho State Fruit]</ref>
⚫
{{Commons category|Vaccinium membranaceum}}


==References==
==References==
Line 43: Line 54:


==External links==
==External links==
⚫
{{Commons category|Vaccinium membranaceum}}
*[http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3449,3607,3611 Jepson Manual Treatment]
*[http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3449,3607,3611 Jepson Manual Treatment]
*[http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=VAME USDA Plants Profile]
*[http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=VAME USDA Plants Profile]
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[[Category:Vaccinium|membranaceum]]
[[Category:Vaccinium|membranaceum]]
[[Category:Berries]]
[[Category:Berries]]
[[Category:Flora of North America]]
[[Category:Flora of the Northwestern United States]]
[[Category:Flora of the Northern United States]]

[[Category:Flora of the Great Lakes region (North America)]]
[[Category:Flora of California]]
[[Category:Flora of Idaho]]
[[Category:Flora of Michigan]]
[[Category:Flora of the Sierra Nevada (U.S.)]]
[[Category:Plants used in Native American cuisine]]


{{-}}
{{Ericaceae-stub}}
{{Ericaceae-stub}}

Revision as of 22:44, 3 August 2013

Vaccinium membranaceum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Eudicots
(unranked):
Asterids
Order:
Ericales
Family:
Ericaceae
Genus:
Vaccinium
Species:
V. membranaceum
Binomial name
Vaccinium membranaceum

Vaccinium membranaceum is a species within the group of Vaccinium commonly referred to as huckleberry. This particular species is known by the common names thinleaf huckleberry, tall huckleberry, big huckleberry, mountain huckleberry, square-twig blueberry, and (ambiguously) as "black huckleberry".

Distribution

Vaccinium membranaceum is native to western North America, with a range extending in the northern from southern Alaska and northwestern Canada to the northern mountains of California to the south. It can be found from the mountains next to the Pacific Ocean in the west, to the Rocky Mountains in the east.

Isolated populations of this species have been found in Arizona, North Dakota, Minnesota, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and Ontario, Canada.[1]

Vaccinium membranaceum grows at higher elevations in subalpine and alpine environments. It occurs in both pine and spruce dominated forests and in open meadow ecosystems. In forests V. membranaceumoften dominates the forest understory during early to mid stages of succession.[2] Vaccinium membranceum is fire adapted. The leaves and stems of the huckleberry are resistant to low-intensity fires, and if burned away they will resprout vigorously from rhizomes buried under the soil.[2]

Description

Vaccinium membranaceum is an erect shrub growing up to 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) in maximum height. The new twigs are yellow-green and somewhat angled. The deciduous leaves are alternately arranged. The very thin to membranous, oval leaf blades are up to 5 centimeters long. The edges are serrated, with each tiny tooth tipped with a glandular hair. Solitary flowers occur in the leaf axils. Each is around 6 millimeters long, urn-shaped to cylindrical, and pale pink to waxy bronze in color.

They are pollinated by bees.[2] The fruit mature fruit ranges in colour from red through bluish-purple to a dark, almost black berry about a centimeter wide. Each fruit contains an average of 47 tiny seeds.[2]

Reproduction

The plant rarely reproduces via seed, rather, it usually spreads by cloning itself from its rhizome or shoots.[2] The seeds do germinate if dispersed by animals, however, as evidenced by populations of the plant growing on the recovering section of Mount St. Helens.[3] Other than the study by Yang et al. (2008) reports of V. membranaceum sprouting from seed are quite rare with other scientists who have studied this species reporting only 6 seedlings observed during 18 years in the field.[4]

Uses

Culinary

Vaccinium membranaceum is this species that is the most commonly collected of all of the wild western huckleberries, and it has great commercial importance.[5] In a good year Vaccinium membranaceum shrubs produce a lot of fruit. The amount of fruit produced by these shrubs is legendary, with stories being told of mountain sides turned purple by all of the fruit, or shrubs being weighed to the ground by large, and abundant berries [6]

Native Americans

Both humans and wildlife enjoy feasting on this fruit in the late summer and early fall. People have been eating the fruit of this species for thousands of years. It was and continues to be widely used for food by Native Americans.[5] The Kutenai called the black huckleberry shawíash (Ktunaxa: ǂawiyaǂ).[7] Alaska Natives consumed it in bread and pies as a source of vitamin C, the Coeur d'Alene people ate the fruit fresh, dried, mashed, cooked, and added it to soup or froze it for later use, and many other groups relished it and stored it frozen, dried, pressed into cakes, or canned for winter use.[8]

Wildlife

The plant also provides a key food source for black and grizzly bears, which eat the leaves, stems, roots, and fruit.[2] Elk, moose, and white-tailed deer also browse the plant.[2] The thickets provide cover for many species of small animals.[2]

Symbol

The huckleberry is the official state fruit of Idaho, with this particular species assumed to be the huckleberry in question.[9]

Management

Some Native American groups lit carefully planned controlled burns in wild huckleberry patches to promote fruit production by eliminating competing plants and by stimulating the huckleberry to sprout and spread.[2] Native American groups throughout the Pacific Northwest still utilize this plant as an important cultural food and are active in its management.[10]

References

  1. ^ VanderKloet, Sam (1988). The Genus Vaccinium in North America. Ottawa, ON: Research Branch, Agriculture Canada.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i US Forest Service Fire Ecology
  3. ^ Yang, S., et al. (2008). Colonization genetics of an animal-dispersed plant (Vaccinium membranaceum) at Mount St Helens, Washington. Molecular Genetics 17:3 731-40.
  4. ^ Stark and Baker (1992). The Ecology and Culture of Montana Huckleberries: A guide for growers and researchers. Missoula, MT: University of Montana, School of Forestry.
  5. ^ a b Flora of North America
  6. ^ Bowen, Asta (1988). The Huckleberry Book.
  7. ^ "FirstVoices- Ktunaxa. Plants: food plants: words". Retrieved 2012-07-07.
  8. ^ Ethnobotany
  9. ^ Netstate: Idaho State Fruit
  10. ^ Martin, L. P., et al. (2008). Management and monitoring plan for the enhancement of big huckleberry in Government Meadows, Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. USDA Forest Service.
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