Grouseberry

Grouseberry (Vaccinium scoparium), also known as whortleberry, is a low-growing, deciduous shrub and a dominant component of the subalpine forest floor in the Canadian Rockies. In Banff National Park, it is a defining plant of the Larch Valley understory.

Identification

Low-growing (6–12 inches high), with many fine, green, angled branches that give it a “broom-like” appearance. The leaves are small, egg-shaped, and light green, turning a brilliant red or burgundy in the autumn. The flowers are small, pink, and bell-shaped; the fruit is a tiny, bright red, edible berry.

Habitat and Ecology

Grouseberry is highly adapted to the cool, moist conditions of the subalpine and alpine zones. It often forms extensive, carpet-like mats in the understory of Subalpine Fir and Engelmann Spruce forests. It provides an important food source for grouse, American Pika, and other small mountain animals.

Viewing

Look for grouseberry on the forest floor along the Larch Valley trail and near Moraine Lake. Its red autumn foliage is a significant part of the seasonal color change in the Lake Louise area, occurring alongside the golden Larch needles.