Introducing the delightful Vaccinium deliciosum, also known as Cascade bilberry, Cascade blueberry, and blueleaf huckleberry. This rhizomatous shrub with a clumpy, matted form is native to western North America and thrives in subalpine and alpine environments. With a tangling stem robust enough to root in moist substrates, expansive colonies are commonplace. The oval leaf blades are thin and can range from 1.5 to 5 cm in length with smooth edges and may be slightly serrated near the ends. The pink, widely urn-shaped flowers grow solitarily in the leaf axils and are 6 to 7 mm long. The waxy, powdery coated blue or reddish berry measures more than a centimeter wide and is said to hold a particularly delicious flavor, thanks to at least 31 different aromatic flavor compounds. This berry is both a favorite among humans and prominent in the diet of black bears, birds, mice, and chipmunks that inhabit the alpine region, and even rabbit and deer enjoy the foliage. Native Americans from the Columbia Plateau region, would travel long distances to gather the berries, which were a staple of their diet, with some tribes performing prescribed burns to create more favorable habitats for the plant. The berries of the Vaccinium deliciosum can be eaten fresh, dried, or cooked, making it a versatile addition to any dish. This plant has adapted to survive in growing seasons as short as three or four months and relies on snow cover to insulate them from the freezing temperatures. Naturally occurring and prescribed forest fires in alpine communities, makes V. deliciosum one of the most successful surviving plant species, due to its rhizomatous properties. This shrub can be cultivated for agricultural or landscaping purposes but is best grown at elevations above 2000 ft. Become a part of the tradition of enjoying this delicious berry, by introducing Vaccinium deliciosum to your garden.
