Pennsylvania Cinquefoil vs Mountain Huckleberry - TreeTime.ca

Pennsylvania Cinquefoil vs Mountain Huckleberry

Potentilla Pensylvanica

Vaccinium membranaceum

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Pennsylvania Cinquefoil
Mountain Huckleberry

Pennsylvania Cinquefoil is well suited for naturalisation projects as it is a wildflower native to North America. It is widespread and can be found growing in rocky soils at higher elevations in the mountains and foothills, as well as the dry prairies. The Pennsylvania Cinquefoil is capable of growing in cold, harsh conditions. The bright yellow flowers are found at the top of long stalks in small dense clusters and are ideal for attracting pollinators.

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.

Pennsylvania Cinquefoil Quick Facts

Mountain Huckleberry Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 5a
Height: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Height: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 0.0 m (0.1 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: dark purple
Flavor: sweet, acidic
Harvest: mid to late summer
Flowers: yellow
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high




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