Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) vs Mountain Huckleberry - TreeTime.ca

Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) vs Mountain Huckleberry

Vaccinium membranaceum

Cotoneaster lucidus

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

SOLD OUT

Mountain Huckleberry
Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)

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.

The Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) is a dense, deciduous shrub that gets its name from the glossy dark green leaves that turn an eye-catching mix of red and purple in the fall.
It produces small, pink flowers in spring and by late summer they are followed by red berries that ripen to black. This plant is great for attracting wildlife as it is loved by both birds and butterflies.

While the Shiny Cotoneaster does produce berries, they are inedible to humans. This plant takes pruning and shearing well, making it easy to shape to your liking and is a great choice for a hedge or privacy screen in your yard.

Mountain Huckleberry Quick Facts

Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 3a
Height: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Moisture: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: mix of yellow scarlet, red, purple
Berries: dark purple
Flavor: sweet, acidic
Harvest: mid to late summer
Flowers: small, pale pink
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: none




Toxicity: may cause stomach upset
Other Names: big huckleberry, black huckleberry, tall bilberry, thinleaf huckleberry
Other Names: hedge cotoneaster, shiny leaf cotoneaster