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Practical ecological knowledge for the temperate reader. |
Family: Ericaceae (Crowberry family) [E-flora]
"Shrub, [tree] glabrous to hairy, rhizomed or not, burls generally 0. Stem: trailing to erect. Leaf: cauline, alternate. Inflorescence: raceme or flowers 1, bracted; bud scales present; bractlets generally 2. Flower: sepals 4–5, 2/3 to fully fused; corolla cylindric to urn- or cup-shaped, petals generally 4–5, ± 2/3 fused, generally white; stamens 8 or 10, filaments generally glabrous, anthers elongate, awned or not, dehiscing by pores on small tubes; ovary inferior, chambers 4–5, or appearing 10 by intrusion of ovary wall, placentas axile, stigma head-like. Fruit: berry. Seed: generally many.
400+ species: temperate northern hemisphere, tropical mountains, Africa. (Latin: for Vaccinium myrtillus L.)" [Jepson]
Local Species;
Cultivation & Propagation
Vaccinium spp.
References
"Vaccinium alaskaense is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.8 m (6ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil." [PFAF]
"General: Erect to spreading shrub; stems 0.5-2 m tall; young twigs somewhat angled, yellow-green, glabrous or very finely hairy; old bark greyish." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Notes: Some authors (e.g., Vander Kloet 1988) combine V. alaskaense with V. ovalifolium. However, the two species have different though overlapping ranges, and they segregate along several environmental gradients, as data from 4750 study releves indicate (Pojar et al. 1997). The trends are for more V. ovalifolium and less V. alaskaense with increasing elevation, decreasing maritime influence, and on wetter sites. When growing together they can be difficult to differentiate initially. However, with some experience field workers have no problem distinguishing them by a combination of leaf, flower and fruit characters, as in the key and descriptions." [IFBC-E-flora]
Habitat / Range: "Mesic to moist forests and forest openings in the lowland, montane, and subalpine zones; common along the coast of BC, rare E of the Coast-Cascade Mountains; N to S AK and S to NW OR." [IFBC-E-flora]
Origin Status: Native [E-flora]
Ecological Indicator Information
"A shade-tolerant, submontane to subalpine, Pacific North American deciduous shrub. Occurs in hypermaritime to maritime subalpine boreal and summer-wet cool mesothermal climates on fresh to very moist, nitrogenpoor soils; its occurrence decreases with increasing precipitation and continentality." (Information applies to coastal locations only) [IPBC-E-flora]
Food Use
"Fruit - raw or cooked[172]. Rather acidic with a watery taste[256]. The North American Indians would often dry the fruit for use in winter[256]." [PFAF]
"Howell (Alaska Blueberry) The botanical identifications of the "blueberries" are still subject to some question. There are four different kinds in the Kwakiutl taxonomy. Boas' (1921) and Hunts's (1922) identifications do not consider the ranges of the species involved. In this paper, the terms are classified accordin,~ to descriptions given by King (1972). Nfixwa were eaten whenever they were available. They were prepared in the same manner as red huckleberries (V. parvifolium). Today they are preserved by canning or freezing (Cranmer, 1969)." [Turner&Bell2]
Cultivation & Propagation
"We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. 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[11, 200]. Prefers a very acid soil with a pH in the range of 4.5 to 6, plants soon become chlorotic when lime is present. Succeeds in full sun or light shade though it fruits better in a sunny position[200]. Requires shelter from strong winds[200]. Dislikes root disturbance, plants are best grown in pots until being planted out in their permanent positions[200]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]." [PFAF]
"Seed - sow late winter in a greenhouse in a lime-free potting mix and only just cover the seed[78]. Stored seed might require a period of up to 3 months cold stratification[113]. Another report says that it is best to sow the seed in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe[200]. 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[78]. Slow and difficult. Layering in late summer or early autumn[78]. Another report says that spring is the best time to layer[200]. Takes 18 months[78]. Division of suckers in spring or early autumn[113]." [PFAF]
Synonyms
References
"General: Low, spreading, matted shrub; stems (5) 10-30 cm tall, rounded, yellowish-green to reddish bark, usually finely hairy." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Notes: A variable species sometimes separated into two or more varieties." [IFBC-E-flora]
Origin Status: Native [E-flora]
"Habitat / Range Dry to wet forests, bogs, meadows, rocky ridges and tundra in the lowland to alpine zones; common throughout BC; N to AK, YT, and NT, E to NF, and S to CA, CO, MN, and NY." [IFBC-E-flora]
Ecological Indicator Information
"A shade-tolerant/intolerant, submontane to alpine, transcontinental North American deciduous shrub. Occurs in boreal and cool temperate climates on fresh to very moist, nitrogen-poor soils; its occurrence increases with increasing latitude and continentality." (Information applies to coastal locations only) [IPBC-E-flora]
References
"General: Shrub; stems to 4 m tall." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Additional Notes Vaccinium corymbosum is an agricultural escape in the Fraser Delta that has heavily invaded adjacent bogs." [E-flora]
Origin Status: Exotic [E-flora]
Habitat / Range: "Wet swamps and bogs in the lowland zone; infrequent escape from cultivation in the lower mainland of SW BC; introduced from eastern North America." [IFBC-E-flora]
Food Use
References
"General: Low, densely branched, often matted shrub; stems 15-40 cm tall, inconspicuously angled, greenish-brown, glabrous or minutely hairy." [IFBC-E-flora]
Origin Status: Native [E-flora]
"Habitat / Range Mesic to moist forests, glades and meadows in the montane to alpine zones; locally common in extreme SW and SC BC; S to N OR." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Ecological Indicator Information A shade-intolerant, submontane to subalpine, Western North American deciduous shrub distributed more in the Pacific than the Cordilleran region. Occurs in maritime to submaritime subalpine boreal climates on fresh to very moist, nitrogen-poor soils; its occurrence increases with increasing elevation and decreases with increasing continentality. Inhabits late snow-melt sites." [IPBC-E-flora]
References
"General: Medium-sized shrub; stems erect to spreading, densely-branched, to 1.5 m tall; young twigs somewhat angled, yellow-green, glabrous or slightly hairy; old bark greyish and shredding." [IFBC-E-flora]
Origin Status: Native [E-flora]
"Habitat / Range Dry to moist forests and openings in the montane and subalpine zones; common throughout BC, except on the Queen Charlotte Islands; N to SE YT, E to AB, and S to ID, MT, and N CA." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Ecological Indicator Information A shade-tolerant/intolerant, montane to subalpine, Western North American deciduous shrub distributed more in the Cordilleran than the Pacific region (reported in the Central region). Occurs in boreal and cool temperate climates on moderately dry to fresh, nitrogenpoor soils; its occurrence increases with increasing elevation and continentality." (Information applies to coastal locations only) [IPBC-E-flora]
"Dougl. ex Hook. (Mountain Bilberry) King (1972) commented that these berries are dark blue and very sweet. They were eaten raw or cooked with salmon spawn (Cranmer, 1969)." [Turner&Bell2]
Synonyms
References
Status: Native [E-flora]
References
"General: Erect, spreading shrub; stems 0.4-2 m tall, angled; glabrous; young twigs brownish to yellowish or reddish; old branches greyish." [IFBC-E-flora]
Origin Status: Native [E-flora]
"Habitat / Range: Mesic to wet forests and openings, and bogs in the lowland to subalpine zones; common throughout C and S BC; amphiberingian, N to AK and S YT, disjunct to ON, MI, PQ, NF, and NS, and S to OR and MT; E Asia." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Ecological Indicator Information A shade-tolerant, submontane to subalpine, Asian and transcontinental North American deciduous shrub mostly in the Pacific and Cordilleran regions, rare in the Central and Atlantic regions. Occurs on fresh to very moist, nitrogen-poor soils with boreal, cool temperate, and cool mesothermal climates; its occurrence increases with increasing latitude and decreases with increasing continentality." (Information applies to coastal locations only)" [IPBC-E-flora]
"These berries have a greyish bloom (King, 1972). Boas (1921) identified them as V. globulare Rydb., a Rocky Mountain species. They were eaten when available." [Turner&Bell2]
"Where available, the berries were eaten both fresh and dried. This species usually grows at higher altitudes, such as on the mountains around Cowichan Lake." [Turner&Bell1]
References
"General: Upright, spreading shrub; stems 0.5-3 m tall, young stems minutely hairy." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Habitat / Range Dry to moist, open forests in the lowland and montane zones; frequent in SW BC, rare near Prince Rupert; S to S CA." [IFBC-E-flora]
Origin Status: Native [E-flora]
"Ecological Indicator Information A shade-intolerant, submontane to montane, Pacific North American evergreen shrub. Occurs in hypermaritime to maritime summer-wet cool mesothermal climates on moderately dry to fresh, nitrogen-poor soils; its occurrence decreases with increasing elevation and increases with increasing precipitation." (Information applies to coastal locations only) [IPBC-E-flora]
"Vaccinium ovatum Pursh. (Evergreen Huckleberry) This species is common on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The berries were eaten in the late autumn by the Nootka (Drucker, 1951) and undoubtedly also by the Salish Indians at Sooke." [Turner&Bell1]
Synonyms
References
"General: Small, creeping shrub; stems very slender, 15-50 cm long, 0.2-1 mm thick, glabrous to finely hairy." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Habitat / Range Bogs in the lowland and montane zones; frequent throughout BC; circumboreal, N to AK, YT, and NT, E to NB and NS, and S to OR, ID, and MN; Eurasia." [IFBC-E-flora]
Status: Native [E-flora]
"Ecological Indicator Information A shade-intolerant, submontane to montane, circumpolar evergreen shrub (transcontinental in North America). Occurs on wet to very wet, nitrogen-poor soils within montane boreal, cool temperate, and cool mesothermal climates in nutrient-poor wetlands; its occurrence increases with increasing latitude and continentality." (Information applies to coastal locations only) [IPBC-E-flora]
"(Bog cranberry) These berries were harvested late in the fall and eaten or steamed (Cranmer, 1972). The fruit was eaten fresh and dried by the Island Salish where it was found. The Saanich gathered it from Rithet's Bog (Paul, 1968)." [Turner&Bell1]
"Vaccinium oxycoccos and related spp. (bog cranberry); Ericaceae—low creeping vines of acid peat bogs and muskegs; circumpolar; cool temperate and northern regions; tart berries cooked for sauce; beverages; stored under water over winter." [ETWP]
Synonyms
References
"General: Erect shrub; stems 1-4 m tall, bright green, very prominently angled, glabrous or minutely hairy when young." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Habitat / Range Dry to moist forests and on decaying wood in the lowland and montane zones; common in W BC, mainly west of the Coast-Cascade Mountains, infrequent in SE BC; N to SE AK and S to CA." [IFBC-E-flora]
Status: Native [E-flora]
"Ecological Indicator Information A shade-tolerant, submontane to subalpine, Western North American deciduous shrub distributed more in the Pacific than the Cordilleran region. Occurs in cool mesothermal climates on nitrogen-poor soils; its occurrence decreases with increasing elevation and continentality." [IPBC-E-flora]
"(Red Huckleberry) The berries were an important food on the Northwest Coast. Kwakiutl women often went on long expeditions, usually to small coastal islands, to pick them. The ripe berries were gathered by shaking the branches over a basket. Sometimes wooden combs were used to rake the berries off the branches. Full baskets were covered with skunk cabbage leaves (Lysichitum americanurn). The berries were cleaned by rolling them down a wet board; the leaves and stems stuck to the board, and the berries rolled down into a basket. They were boiled in high cooking boxes, and red salmon spawn was mixed with them. Then heated skunk cabbage leaves were put over the mixture, and a cover was sealed on the box with oulachen fat (the residue left after oulachen oil was rendered) and strips of heated skunk cabbage leaves. With this treatment, the huckleberries would keep for many months. They were eaten mashed with oil at feasts during the winter ceremonials (Boas, 1921, 1935; Cranmer, 1969)." [Turner&Bell2]
"Red huckleberries were used to make a purple dye (Ravenhill, 1938). After a woman finished a huckleberry basket, she had to go and pick huckleberries the next morning, or she would have bad luck (Boas, 1966). A girl at puberty was never allowed to eat fresh huckleberries. If she did, her teeth would fall out (op. cit. ). In several Kwakiutl legends, sharpened huckleberry twigs hidden in shallow water were used to trap supernatural spirits (Boas, 1910)." [Turner&Bell2]
"All of the Vancouver Island Indian groups ate these berries fresh, cooked, or dried in cakes. The Puget Sound Salish, and probably the Island Salish, made a tea from dried huckleberry leaves (Haeberlin and Gunther, 1930)." [Turner&Bell1]
References
"General: Matted, low shrub; stems 10-25 cm tall, many, slender, broomlike, strongly angled, greenish or yellowish-green, glabrous." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Habitat / Range Dry to moist forests and openings in the montane and subalpine zones; common in SE and SC BC; E to SW AB, and S to N CA, CO, and SD." [IFBC-E-flora]
Status: Native [E-flora]
"Ecological Indicator Information A shade-tolerant/intolerant, montane to alpine, Cordilleran North American deciduous shrub (marginal in the Central region). Occurs in continental alpine tundra and subalpine boreal climates on nitrogenpoor soils; its occurrence is restricted to the eastern part of the coast-interior ecotone." (Information applies to coastal locations only) [IPBC-E-flora]
References
Subtaxa Present in B.C.
"Vaccinium uliginosum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). It is hardy to zone (UK) 2. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil." [PFAF]
"General: Low, spreading shrub; stems 10-30 cm tall, not angled; young branches yellowish-green, minutely hairy; old branches greyish-red." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Notes: Two subspecies are recognized in BC:
1. Leaves hairy................. ssp. pubescens (Wormsk. ex Hornem.) S.B. Young
1. Leaves glabrous or minutely hairy........................ ssp. occidentale (A. Gray) Hult." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Habitat / Range Bogs, dry to wet rocky tundra, meadows, thickets and boggy forests in the lowland to alpine zones; frequent in coastal BC (ssp. occidentale), and in N BC (ssp. pubescens); circumboreal, N to AK, YT, and NT, E to NF and S to N MI, NY, and N CA; Eurasia." [IFBC-E-flora]
Origin Status: Native [E-flora]
"Ecological Indicator Information A shade-intolerant, submontane to alpine, circumpolar deciduous shrub (transcontinental in North America). Occurs on very moist to wet, nitrogen-poor soils within tundra, boreal, cool temperate, and cool mesothermal climates." (Information applies to coastal locations only) [IPBC-E-flora]
Hazards
Food Use
Medicinal Usage
"Indications (Bog Bilberry) — Catarrh (f; HH2); Childbirth (f; DEM); Cystosis (f; EFS; HH2; PH2); Debility (f; DEM); Diarrhea (f; HH2; PH2); Enterosis (f; EFS; PH2); Gastrosis (f; EFS; HH2; PH2)." [HMH Duke]
"Activities (Bog Bilberry) — Narcotic (f; CEB; EFS)" [HMH Duke]
"Extracts (Bog Bilberry) — Anthocyanins and polyphenols in berries of several Ribes, Rubus, and Vaccinium spp. have in vitro antiradical activity on chemically generated superoxide radicals. The extracts also inhibit xanthine oxidase. All crude extracts were highly active toward chemically generated superoxide radicals. Ribes nigrum extracts exhibited most activity, being the richest in both anthocyanins and polyphenols. But Ribes rubrum extracts seem to contain more active substances (X1332092)." [HMH Duke]
"Antiseptic, astringent, carminative, hypnotic and hypoglycaemic[172, 192]. An infusion of the leaves and sugar have been given to a mother a few days after childbirth in order to help her regain her strength[257]." [PFAF]
"(Bog Bilberry) [identified as V. caespitosum Michx. by Hunt (1922)] (Hu22; Gr72) These plants were under three feet high (King, 1972). The berries were eaten." [Turner&Bell2]
"This is another species growing mainly in Sphagnum bogs. The berries were eaten fresh or dried wherever they could be obtained." [Turner&Bell1]
Phytochemicals
Synonyms
Subtaxa Present in B.C.
"Vaccinium vitis-idaea is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. It is hardy to zone (UK) 5. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil." [PFAF]
"General: Low, mat-forming shrub; stems decumbent or ascending, 5-25 cm long, rounded or slightly angled, minutely hairy." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Habitat / Range Wet to dry forests, and bogs and tundra from lowland to alpine zones; common in N BC, infrequent along the coast, rare in SE BC; circumboreal, N to AK, YT, and NT, E to NF and S to N MN and NH; Eurasia. " [IFBC-E-flora]
Origin Status: Native [E-flora]
This species is native of northern Europe, Asia, and America, extending north to the Arctic Ocean and south to Massachusetts, the Adirondacks and Lake Superior region. It grows in rather dry rocky soil, and the berries are apparently larger and better far north. [EWP]
Hazards
Edible Uses
Other Uses
Medicinal Uses
| ALPINE CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) ++ | |
| "With at least 10 common names available in the USDA online, you’d think that an herbal desk reference intended for American physicians would use 1 of these 10. But no, PH2 went with alpine cranberry. USDA suggests cowberry, foxberry, lingberry, lingen, lingenberry, lingon, lingon berry, mountain cranberry, and rock cranberry (not to mention the German, Preiselbeere). DEM goes with lingonberry and mountain cranberry. Even two of the alternatives offered by PH2 were not listed by USDA (e.g., alpine cranberry and whortleberry). Thank goodness for scientific names." [HMH Duke] | |
| "Activities (Alpine Cranberry) — Antiherpetic (1; HH2); Antiseptic (1; PH2); Antiviral (1; PH2); Astringent (f; HHB; HH2); Cyclooxygenase-Activator (1; HH2); Cytotoxic (1; HH2); Fungicide (1; HHB); Urinary Antiseptic (1; PH2)." [HMH Duke] | |
| Select Indications (Alpine Cranberry) — Cancer (f; JLH); Cancer, breast (f; JLH);Cough (f; DEM; HHB); Diarrhea (1; HHB; HH2); Infection (1; HHB; PH2); Mycosis (1; HHB; HH2); Virus (1; PH2). [HMH Duke] | |
| "Dosages (Alpine Cranberry) — 2 g/cup tea (PH2)." [HMH Duke] | |
| "Extracts (Alpine Cranberry) —this species increases cyclooxygenase activity? Anthocyanins and polyphenols in berries of several Should we be pleased or disenchanted that three flavonoids in Ribes, Rubus, and Vaccinium species have in vitro antiradical activity on chemically generated superoxide radicals. The extracts also inhibit xanthine oxidase. All crude extracts were highly active toward chemically generated superoxide radicals. Ribes nigrum extracts exhibited most activity, being the richest in both anthocyanins and polyphenols. But Ribes rubrum extracts seem to contain more active substances. (X1332092)" [HMH Duke] |
Phytochemicals
"Hydroquinone glycosides: arbutin (3-5%), pyroside (6'-acetyl-arbutin), hydroquinone gentiobioside, 2-O-caffeoyl arbutin" [PDR]
"Tannins (10-20%): chiefly condensed tannins, proanthocyainidine" [PDR]
"Flavonoids: including among others, avicularin, hyperoside, quercitrin, isoquercitrin" [PDR]
"Triterpenes: including among others, beta-amyrin, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid" [PDR]
Wildlife: V. vitis-Idaea: The black bear in Canada and the polar bear on the Arctic coasts spend much time eating the fruits of this little evergreen plant, and at certain seasons it is an important food of northern birds. [EWP]
Ground Cover: "Can be grown as a ground cover plant[11], spreading by underground runners[188]. It needs weeding for the first year or so[197]. Plants are best spaced about 30cm apart each way[208]." [PFAF]
"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[11, 200]. Prefers a very acid soil with a pH in the range of 4.5 to 6, plants soon become chlorotic when lime is present. Succeeds in full sun or light shade though it fruits better in a sunny position[200]. Requires shelter from strong winds[200]. Dislikes root disturbance, plants are best grown in pots until being planted out in their permanent positions[200]. Sometimes cultivated for its edible fruit, there are some named varieties[183]. 'Koralle' has large and conspicuous berries[182]. The fruit hangs on the plant all winter if it is not picked[183]. The flowers produce a great deal of nectar and are very attractive to bees[7]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. Special Features:North American native, Edible, Wetlands plant, Attractive flowers or blooms. The plant is heat tolerant in zones 6 through 1. (Plant Hardiness Zones show how well plants withstand cold winter temperatures. Plant Heat Zones show when plants would start suffering from the heat. The Plant Heat Zone map is based on the number of "heat days" experienced in a given area where the temperature climbs to over 86 degrees F (30°C). At this temperature, many plants begin to suffer physiological damage. Heat Zones range from 1 (no heat days) to 12 (210 or more heat days). For example Heat Zone. 11-1 indicates that the plant is heat tolerant in zones 11 through 1.) For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. An evergreen. A clumping mat former. Forming a dense prostrate carpet with a limited spread [1-2]. The root pattern is suckering with new plants from underground runners away from the plant [1-2]." [PFAF]
"Seed - sow late winter in a greenhouse in a lime-free potting mix and only just cover the seed[78]. Stored seed might require a period of up to 3 months cold stratification[113]. Another report says that it is best to sow the seed in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe[200]. 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[78]. Slow and difficult. Layering in late summer or early autumn[78]. Another report says that spring is the best time to layer[200]. Takes 18 months[78]. Division of suckers in spring or early autumn[113]." [PFAF]