HUCKLEBERRY (Vaccinium Membranaceum) USDA Forest Service Other Common Names Northern Region Blueberry, Big Whortleberry, Black Idaho Panhandle Huckleberry, Bilberry. National Forests Description: The huckleberry is a low erect shrub, ranging from 1-5' tall. The flowers are shaped like tiny pink or white urns, which blossom in June and July, depending on elevation. The leaves are short, elliptical and alter- native on the stems. The bush turns brilliant red and sheds its leaves in the fall. The stem bark is reddish (often yellowish-green in shaded sites). The shape of the berry varies The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) from round to oval and the color var- prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis ies from purplish black to wine- of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disa- colored red. Some species have a bility, political beliefs, and marital or familial status. dusky blue covering called bloom. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Per- The berries taste sweet and tart, in sons with disabilities who require alternative means the same proportions. of communication of program information (braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's Ripening Season: July-August TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). Early in the season, by mid-July, the berries on sunny southern facing To file a complaint, write the Secretary of Agriculture, Huckleberry slopes and lower elevations are first U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC to ripen. They are most succulent in 20250, or call 1-800-795-3272 (voice) or 202-720- mid-summer. However, good pick- 6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal employment oppor- Picking ing can generally be found as late as tunity provider and employer. October on north-facing slopes. Habitat: at Priest Coniferous forests in open to shad- ed sites where there acidic soils. Priest Lake Ranger District Lake They can be found at elevations 32203 Hwy 57 ranging from 2,000 - 9,000 feet in the Rocky Mountains. The best Priest Lake ID 83856 sites are those that can support 208-443-2512 grand fir, alpine fir and lodgepole www.fs.usda.gov/ipnf pine trees in abundant sunlight. The best picking is usually found in areas Priest Lake Ranger opened up from forest fires, on trails through fir stands and timber cuts, or District along old roads. R1-13-26 Upper Priest Falls Snowy Top Huckleberry Picking at Little 1322 Continental Snowy Mtn. Top r e Priest Lake iv R 1388 t s Suitable for e Huckleberry picking can be enjoyed i r Hughes P high clearance as a solitary experience or as a group Huckleberry Ridge 1013 vehicles. activity for the entire family. The Priest 1343 r e Lake area is known for its abundance Picking p 662 p U of huckleberries. Trapper Creek Upper Corridors Priest 1013 Navigation Lake T 22 ra Many factors such as elevations, rip- Muskigon il Lake ening seasons and climate contribute Plowboy Geisingers 302 to a good berry site. The best berry Roosevelt Thorofare 401 Grove of Beaver Lions picking is usually found along aban- Ancient Head Creek y Cedars a B Group Site doned logging roads, and in old burns. o t i Stagger u Granite 1015 q s The berry bushes found in these are- Falls Inn o M as have a lot of sunlight and little com- 302 638 petition for nutrients. Enjoy!! Tillicum Shoe Tree Distillery 1341 Bay 2512 Priest Unfavorable weather conditions can completely wipe out a crop of huckle- 311 1362 302 Lake Petit berries, such as not enough rain, too Lake Diamond Ledgewood Pk. Nordman Indian 1339 much rain, a hail storm that occurs Creek 308 308 Reeder when berries are just forming on the Bay 502 Hanna Eightmile bushes, and not enough sunshine. Flats Ranger Island Vinther Nelson Station Cabin 313 Kalispell Kalispell Island Gleason Mtn. Bay Kalispell C a Bay v a 1345 n When venturing into the forest for a 57 a u g No. Baldy h 310 Luby Bay B Bartoo a day of berry picking, remember, bears Mtn. y Priest Island Lake 237 like them too. If they think you are 219 Museum imposing on "their berry territory", 312 Osprey 639 Outlet Bay there may be problems. It is wise to Sherwood 312 Beach retreat from any bears should the situ- Coolin ation present itself. This berry is one N P r N i e s of the primary foods for the grizzly and O t W E T Chase O G Lake H black bear. The berries are very high N Dickensheet Chase I A Dickensheet Lake H S D S in carbohydrates, and an abundant I Information A Center crop assures the bear's survival W through the winter months when they So. Baldy LEGEND are hibernating. Mtn. 306 Forest Idaho Point Day Boat Huckleberry Gates Service State of Use Launch Picking Campgrounds Interest Corridors R i v 57 e r 305.