About Huckleberries

Appearance

• Huckleberry bushes grow up to 6 feet tall and produce berries that measure a half-inch in diameter. Some bushes produce glossy berries while others produce berries that have a dull skin.

Habitat

• Huckleberries typically grow in the wild in northwestern states such as Washington, Montana and Idaho. The plants can be found in high mountainous areas with elevations higher than 2,000 feet. They thrive in acidic soil that is covered by partial shade.

Berry Production

• Huckleberry plants begin producing berries within three to five years, however, they take up to 15 years to reach full maturity. The berries bloom in early spring and are ripe and ready to pick from July to August.

Uses

• Just like most other berries, huckleberries can be made into jams and added to cobblers, pies and muffins. Due to the fact that these berries have little pulp, they can easily be made into syrup.

Domestication Attempts

• Although researchers are working on a domestic variety of the huckleberry, they are currently not grown in gardens or in fields. Plants that have been transplanted from the wild to a domestic garden have produced bitter berries.