Indigo Gem Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Mountain Huckleberry - TreeTime.ca

Indigo Gem Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Mountain Huckleberry

Vaccinium membranaceum

Lonicera caerulea Indigo Gem

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Mountain Huckleberry
Indigo Gem Haskap (Honeyberry)

Mountain Huckleberry is a small shrub known for its tart to sweet berries. The berries range from purple-black to red-black, and can be eaten fresh or used in jams and syrups. It is a plant native to Alberta and the berries are frequently enjoyed by both people and wildlife.

In traditional Indigenous fire management practices, berry patches were burned after harvest. This would reduce the invasion of other plants allowing the Mountain Huckleberry to thrive. Its foliage has low flammability and can survive low severity fires, and even if destroyed they regrow from the roots.

Note: Mountain Huckleberry requires specific soil conditions. They need moist, well-drained, acidic soil with a pH around 5.5.

Indigo Gem Haskap produces firm, sweet/tangy berries. The flavour of Haskaps is generally described as a cross between a blueberry and a raspberry. Indigo Gem Haskaps are well suited to fresh eating, freezing, baking, and preserves.

The fruit is similar in size and firmness to the Tundra variety, making it suitable for commercial production or your home garden.

For optimal fruit production, cross-pollination is required. Haskaps need to be planted with a compatible variety. Compatibility is influenced by both bloom time and genetics.

Indigo Gem Haskap is an early-pollinating variety that pairs well with Aurora and Honey Bee.

Mountain Huckleberry Quick Facts

Indigo Gem Haskap (Honeyberry) Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 2a
Height: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: dark purple
Berries: elongated berries, firm and great tasting (sweet tangy)
Flavor: sweet, acidic
Harvest: mid to late summer
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: none




Other Names: big huckleberry, black huckleberry, tall bilberry, thinleaf huckleberry
Other Names: haskap sk 9-15