Native Habitat:
Subalpine and alpine meadows, open slopes, and rocky ridges.
 
Bloom Time:
May – July
 
Growth Habit & Mature Size:
Deciduous shrub, 1–3 feet tall, with low, spreading stems and small, oval to elliptical leaves. Produces small, bell-shaped, white to pink flowers, followed by dark blue to black edible berries.
 
Light & Soil Requirements:
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in acidic, sandy or loamy soils with good drainage. Prefers cool, high-elevation conditions and tolerates seasonal snowpack.
 
Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:
Vaccinium membranaceum, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Gaultheria shallon, Camassia leichtlinii, Festuca idahoensis.
 
Urban Garden Function:
Adds low-growing structure, seasonal flowers, and edible berries to urban gardens, rock gardens, and naturalized alpine-inspired landscapes. Works well in layered native plantings, pollinator-friendly designs, and small-scale wildlife gardens.
 
Wildlife Supported:
Flowers attract native bees and other pollinators. Berries provide food for birds, small mammals, and bears. Dense stems offer shelter for insects and small wildlife.
 
Historical Use:
Berries were traditionally harvested by Indigenous peoples for food. Valued ornamentally for edible fruit, ecological benefits, and use in high-elevation or naturalized garden plantings.