Huckleberries require elevations of from 2,000 to 11,000 feet.
According to the University of Idaho, the name huckleberry is used for many different plants throughout North America. The most widely known huckleberries are native to the eastern and southeastern United States and belong to four species found in the genus Gaylussacia.
Western huckleberries belong to the genus Vaccinium. Their flowers and fruit resemble those of highbush and lowbush blueberries, which are also Vaccinium species.
Western huckleberries, however, are in a different taxonomic section (Myrtillus) than highbush and lowbush blueberries (Cyanococcus).
The primary difference is that huckleberries produce single berries in the axils of leaves on new shoots. Highbush and lowbush blueberries develop clusters of berries on 1-year-old wood, producing greater yields than do huckleberries.
The section Myrtillus contains eight species, commonly called huckleberries, blueberries, bilberries, and whortleberries. All produce edible fruit, but only two species. Vaccinium membranaceum and V. deliciosum, are harvested to a large degree. The other species are not widely distributed or have fruits that are small or poorly flavored.
Learn more about huckleberries and their relatives at University of Idaho.
Tip! See Guide to Growing Huckleberries at Heirloom Organics.