Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Coastal BC Plants: Black Huckleberry

Black Huckleberry

Black Huckleberry bushes along the Last Chance Trail.
At the higher elevations around Powell Lake, and throughout the backcountry in our region, you will find Black Huckleberry bushes. They are mostly found in boggy areas, but I've also come across them on rocky slopes like this one. I happen to be standing on the Last Chance Trail that's a tough shortcut over the Bunster Range for quad riders who want to get to Chippewa Bay on Powell Lake.

Black Huckleberries (Vaccinium membranaceum) grow on a medium-sized shrub that grows to one and a half metres (5 feet) tall. It has many branches and small pointed leaves. Late in the season the plants will turn reddish brown and round purplish berries, much like blueberries, will form. If you try to pick the berries early, they are hard and tart, enough to pucker your mouth.


But if you wait until late August or September, they ripen to a soft, sweet fruit. You can pick them to eat right on the spot, or take some home to make a pie, or can to enjoy all winter long. -- Margy
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10 comments:

  1. Kathy Felsted Usher4:01 PM

    How nice you have these. It must be the same thing as Huckleberry Hound dog, right?

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  2. Jenn Jilks6:05 PM

    How yummy!!!!!

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  3. JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes)7:19 PM

    We picked those by the bucketful in S.E. Alaska too when I was a kid. Great pies for sure!

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  4. Trubes1:31 AM

    Oh how I would like a large slice of Black Huckleberry Crumble with a spoonful or two of clotted Devon Cream....BLISS !
    Interesting post.
    The only Huckleberry I know of is Huckleberry Finn friend of Tom Sawyer, the characters created by Mark Twain.
    I used to love reading of their escapades when I was a youngster.
    Best wishes.
    Di,
    ABCW team.

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  5. A Colorful World9:48 AM

    I learned some things! I would have thought they were blueberries!

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    Replies
    1. Powell River Books10:23 PM

      To be honest I did too until I did some research. They are tarter than the ones you get in the store, but still really tasty. - Margy

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  6. Roger Owen Green2:14 AM

    I always think of the cartoon Huckleberry Hound! Thanks for being with us in Round 16.

    ROG, ABCW

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  7. Small City Scenes11:24 PM

    YUM!! We have two large mounds of Blackberries out in the back pasture that Bob mows around just so the Bears and I can have some berries to eat. Don't have the tiny Cascade Berries that take forever to pick and make the best jam and pies.
    Lots of the Huckleberries and Blueberries up on Mt. Bakers slopes too
    MB

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    Replies
    1. Powell River Books10:22 PM

      I wish they grew near the cabin, but it is too dry and we are too low in elevation. I only see them up high along streams or in open disturbed areas along the logging roads. - Margy

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  8. Powell River Books10:21 PM

    Thanks everyone for stopping by to comment on my ABC post. You are the greatest! - Margy

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We welcome your comments and questions. - Wayne and Margy