Prelude Raspberry vs Mountain Huckleberry - TreeTime.ca

Prelude Raspberry vs Mountain Huckleberry

Vaccinium membranaceum

Rubus x Prelude

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Mountain Huckleberry
Prelude Raspberry

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.

Prelude Raspberry is one of the earliest ripening raspberries. As early as June you can expect red berries that are delectably sweet and perfect for fresh eating, baking, and preserves. It is disease resistant, cold hardy, and vigorous in nature. Expect raspberries one year after planting.

The Prelude Raspberry is a fast-growing floricane. This means that raspberries will not grow on canes the year they first grow. The mature canes they do grow on, however, produce more berries than primocane varieties.

Mountain Huckleberry Quick Facts

Prelude Raspberry Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 4a
Height: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Height: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: dark purple
Flavor: sweet, acidic
Harvest: mid to late summer
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: low




Other Names: big huckleberry, black huckleberry, tall bilberry, thinleaf huckleberry