Montana Huckleberry

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Montana Huckleberry plants thrive in the Bitterroot Valley of western Montana.

The Bitterroot Mountains altitude and climate is perfect for this hard to find fruit.

This article shares facts about the Montana Huckleberry, where to look, and how to identify them.

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The Delicious Montana Huckleberry

As summer arrives in the Bitterroot Valley, you’ll notice people heading to the hills with their container of choice.

They’re on their way to their secret patch of wild huckleberries.

They’ll say hi and give you a wave, but don’t count on them inviting you along.

Ripe Huckleberries / Bitterroot Info

Keeping the location of a wild huckleberry patch a secret may be a little selfish, but you’d do it too if you’ve ever had these delicious treats.

Now they just have to hope nobody beat them to their patch this year.

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Huckleberries are Wild — Just Like Montana

Inhabitants of Montana’s Bitterroot Valley have always relied on wild huckleberries as a plentiful and nutritious food source, as well as for medicinal purposes.

Back when people moved around with the food supply, you would find groups following the ripening huckleberry throughout western Montana.

They ate, dried and stored the abundant fruit to enjoy during harsh winter months.

Huckleberries on the Bush / Bitterroot Info

More recently people have tried to grow huckleberries domestically, with little success.

Nearly all huckleberries grow in the wild, and those who have had success growing them in captivity say they’re nothing like the wild version.

And speaking of wild, the delicious wild huckleberry is one of the most important food sources for bears throughout the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains.

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Where to Find Montana Huckleberries

Wild huckleberries grow all over western Montana in a variety of habitats.

In the Bitterroot Valley huckleberries like low to mid-elevation forests and mountain slopes.

Map Courtesy of MT Field Guide

And much like the coveted morel mushrooms that grow in the area, huckleberries flourish in burn scars after forest fires.

These are often areas that are found along forest service roads, hiking trails and campgrounds, making huckleberry hunting accessible for most everyone.

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How to Identify Montana Huckleberries

Here’s a great video to help you identify huckleberry plants in their native habitat.

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Montana Huckleberry Facts

Of the 7 species of huckleberries that grow in Montana, the most common is Vaccinium membranaceum, also known as Vaccinium globulare.

When fully ripe these berries are usually about the size of a pea, just a bit smaller than typical blueberries.

The plant grows well in the damp, acidic soil of conifer forests, thriving in its natural habitat.

Berries begin to ripen in mid-summer and have usually peaked by late August.

Montana Huckleberries in the Wild

The common huckleberry is classified as follows:

Kingdom – Plants – Plantae
Division – Flowering Plants – Anthophyta
Class – Dicots – Dicotyledoneae
Order – Heaths / Wintergreens / Monotropes – Ericales
Family – Heath Family – Ericaceae
Species – Common Huckleberry – Vaccinium membranaceum

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Ready to Experience Huckleberries?

Many people have not experienced wild huckleberries since they are hard to find, seasonal, and regional.

Luckily, you can find all kinds of unique Montana huckleberry products online if you look around.

You’ll find a variety of popular huckleberry products to enjoy, including huckleberry jam, huckleberry honey, huckleberry chocolate, and huckleberry tea with its unique blend of spices and herbs, which all make for unique gifts.

Here’s a link to a bunch of huckleberry products on Amazon.

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