Common Name: Red Bilberry

General Information

Vaccinium parvifolium is an erect to somewhat straggling, much-branched deciduous shrub usually growing from 30 - 260cm tall, exceptionally to 700cm, and sometimes suckering if injured[, , ]. Plants tend to be trailing and vinelike for the first 4 - 5 years until assuming a more erect, mature growth form[].
The red, waxy fruits were popular with all coastal Native American tribes and remain so with recreational pickers. The plant also has medicinal uses. The commercial exploitation of the fruit is limited at present, but its vigorous growth, ease of harvest, and adaptability to a range of sites provide opportunities for future exploitation[]. The plant has some potential as an ornamental - the ripe berries tend to persist on the plant for 2 months or more and the leaves turn a brilliant red in the autumn[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Western N. America - Alaska to California

Habitat

Coastal forests[]. Moist to dry, conifer and mixed conifer-hardwood forests, often on stumps and logs, disturbed areas, roadsides; at elevations from sea level to 1,100 metres[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	1.80 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Vaccinium parvifolium is very cold tlerant but grows best in maritime climates, doing well in areas subject to foggy weather[].
Requires a moist but freely-draining lime free soil, preferring one that is rich in peat or a light loamy soil with added leaf-mould[, ]. Prefers a very acid soil with a pH in the range of 4.0 to 6, plants soon become chlorotic when lime is present. Plants generally grow on nitrogen-poor soils, though these soils are often very rich in humus[]. Succeeds in full sun or light shade though it fruits better in a sunny position[, ]. It can grow in deep shade, though little fruit is produced in such a position[]. Requires shelter from strong winds[].
Dislikes root disturbance, plants are best grown in pots until being planted out in their permanent positions[].
A very ornamental plan[]t.
This species is closely related to Vaccinium ovalifolium[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked and used in making jams, pies, jellies etc[, , , , , ]. The fruit can also be dried for later use[]. An acid flavour, but it is very palatable[]. The fruit makes a very superior jelly[]. The red berries are around 7 - 12mm in diameter[, ]. The berries are somewhat sour but make excellent pastries and preserves[].

A tea is made from the dried fruit and leaves[].

Medicinal

A decoction of the bark has been used in the treatment of colds[, ].

The leaves are antiseptic, astringent, carminative, hypoglycaemic[]. The leaves and finely chopped stem contain quinic acid, a former therapeutic for gout said to inhibit uric acid formation, but never widely used because of mixed clinical results[].
The leaves have been widely used to lower or modify blood sugar levels, particularly in Europe. Taken on a regular basis, huckleberry tea will gradually help alleviate both glycosuria and hyperglycemia and has a benign, but useful effect as an adjunct treatment to diabetes mellitus[].

Other Uses

The long straight green stems and twigs have been used to make brooms[].

Propagation

Seed - sow late winter in a greenhouse in a lime-free potting mix and only just cover the seed[]. Stored seed might require a period of up to 3 months cold stratification[]. Another report says that it is best to sow the seed in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe[]. Once they are about 5cm tall, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, August in a frame[]. Slow and difficult.
Layering in late summer or early autumn[]. Another report says that spring is the best time to layer[]. Takes 18 months[].
Division of suckers in spring or early autumn[].