Mountain Huckleberry vs Limelight Hydrangea - TreeTime.ca

Mountain Huckleberry vs Limelight Hydrangea

Vaccinium membranaceum

Hydrangea paniculata Limelight

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Mountain Huckleberry
Limelight Hydrangea

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.

Limelight Hydrangea is a flowering shrub that is known for its green flowers. As they mature, the flower colour changes from a pale green to a creamy white, followed by shades of pink and red. Hydrangea flowers persist longer compared to other flowering shrubs, blooming from late July into fall. They are a popular choice for flower arrangements.

The Limelight Hydrangea can be grown as a stand alone shrub, as a hedge, or incorporated into a flower garden. Blooms occur on new wood, so regular pruning is encouraged in late winter. This is an award winner from the Proven Winners® collection.

Mountain Huckleberry Quick Facts

Limelight Hydrangea Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 3a
Height: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Moisture: any
Moisture: any
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: dark purple
Flavor: sweet, acidic
Harvest: mid to late summer
Flowers: greenish white
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: none




Toxicity: toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
Other Names: big huckleberry, black huckleberry, tall bilberry, thinleaf huckleberry
Other Names: limelight panicle hydrangea