Plant Data Sheet
Species (common name, Latin name)
Dwarf bilberry, Dwarf huckleberry, dwarf blueberry,
dwarf whortleberry
Vaccinium caespitosum Michx
Range
The range of Vaccinium
caespitosum extends across the subarctic zone from
Climate, elevation
Generally cool and dry.
2,420 to 3,340 meters.2
Local occurrence (where, how
common)
Common
throughout the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. 2
Habitat preferences
Dwarf
huckleberry occurs as an understory dominant or codominant in high elevation
spruce (Picea spp.)-fir (Abies spp.) forests throughout much of western
Plant strategy type/successional stage (stress-tolerator,
competitor, weedy/colonizer, seral, late successional)
Dwarf
huckleberry occurs in climax Douglas-fir or spruce-fir forests throughout much
of the West. However, it is also
considered an important seral shrub in many areas of western
Associated species
In the
West, dwarf huckleberry commonly grows in association with twinflower, queencup
beadlily,
May be collected as: (seed, layered, divisions, etc.)
Dwarf
huckleberry reproduces both sexually and vegetatively, although vegetative
regeneration appears to be of primary importance. 2
Collection restrictions or guidelines
Dwarf
huckleberry seedlings are rarely observed under natural conditions in the
West. Germination may be limited to
exceptional sites in favorable, moist years.
Seed stored on-site appears to contribute little to regeneration of this
species. Buried seeds have been
recovered from the top 1.2 inches (3 cm) of soil in balsam fir (Abies
balsamea)-white spruce (Picea glauca) forests of
Seed germination (needs dormancy breaking?)
Vaccinium
seeds are not dormant and require no pretreatment for germination. 2
Seed life (can be stored,
short shelf-life, long shelf-life)
Not available
Recommended seed storage conditions
Refrigerated
in sealed containers. 1
Propagation recommendations (plant seeds, vegetative parts, cuttings, etc.)
Dwarf
huckleberry is rhizomatous and plants are often capable of resprouting after
the crown is removed or damaged.
However, these regenerative structures are fairly shallow and can be
damaged or eliminated by deep, duff-consuming fires or mechanical treatments
which include severe soil scarification.
Twigs are capable of regenerating at the nodes and vegetative expansion
can occur even in the absence of disturbance. 2
Soil or medium requirements (inoculum necessary?)
Dwarf
huckleberry grows well on medium-coarse, well-drained, granitic soils. Most huckleberries (Vaccinium spp.) require
acidic soils and can grow on infertile sites which have relatively small
amounts of many essential elements.
Dwarf huckleberry commonly occurs on soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0.
2
Installation form (form, potential for successful outcomes, cost)
A
dwarf-to-low, spreading, rhizomatous shrub.
This often mat-forming shrub grows 2 to 20 inches (5-50 cm) in
height. It has a relatively short
lifespan. 2
Recommended planting density
Spreading
the plant apart seems to be most successful.
Dwarf huckleberry easily spreads out, creating a low, thick shrub cover.
2
Care requirements after installed (water weekly, water once etc.)
Regular
watering, no special care requirements.
Normal rate of growth or spread; lifespan
Dwarf
Huckleberry grows fast in recently disturbed sites. It has a relatively short lifespan.
Sources cited
1Hansen, W. Native Plants of the Northwest. http://www.nwplants.com. May 2, 2006
2
Data compiled by (student name and date)
Patrick
Keegan, May 1, 2006