Snowball Viburnum vs Mountain Huckleberry - TreeTime.ca

Snowball Viburnum vs Mountain Huckleberry

Vaccinium membranaceum

Viburnum opulus roseum

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Mountain Huckleberry
Snowball Viburnum

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.

Snowball Viburnum is a popular ornamental shrub with prolific flowering. This plant is prized for its round clusters of white flowers that resemble snowballs, delighting children and adults. In fall, its leaves turn vibrant shades of red.

Snowball Viburnum is sought after as a single accent shrub, but can also make a dense hedge or privacy screen.

Mountain Huckleberry Quick Facts

Snowball Viburnum Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 3b
Height: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: low


Fall colour: purplish-red
Bark: gold to gray
Flowers: white
Berries: dark purple
Flavor: sweet, acidic
Harvest: mid to late summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: big huckleberry, black huckleberry, tall bilberry, thinleaf huckleberry
Other Names: european cranberrybush, guelder rose, snowball bush, snowball tree