Vaccinium scoparium

Vaccinium scoparium is a species of Vaccinium, a genus of shrubs in the family Ericaceae. Commonly known as the grouse whortleberry, grouseberry, or littleleaf huckleberry, it is native to North America, specifically the western United States and Canada.

Description

Vaccinium scoparium is a small shrub, typically growing to a height of 10–50 cm. It has small, simple leaves that are 1–3 cm long and 0.5–1 cm broad. The flowers are pink, bell-shaped, 5–6 mm long. The fruit is a small, bright red berry 5–7 mm diameter.

Distribution and habitat

The grouse whortleberry is found in the western United States and Canada, from Alaska and British Columbia south to California and east to the Rocky Mountains. It grows in coniferous forests at altitudes of 500–3,000 meters.

Uses

The berries of the Vaccinium scoparium are edible and have been used by Native American tribes as a food source. They are also used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments.

Cultivation

Vaccinium scoparium is not commonly cultivated, but it can be grown in acidic soils in a cool, moist climate. It prefers full sun to partial shade.

Conservation status

The grouse whortleberry is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, like all wild species, it could be affected by habitat loss and climate change.

See also

• Vaccinium
• Ericaceae
• List of Vaccinium species

References

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