Synthesizing current knowledge on the ecology, phenology, and cultivation of Vaccinium membranaceum

Societal Impact Statement More than 100 edible native berries grow across Canada's vast territory and are used by over 600 Indigenous Peoples of Canada as a main component of their diet. This research provides critical insights into the ecology, phenology, and cultivation of black huckleberry ( Vaccinium membranaceum ), a species of significant ecological and cultural importance in western North America. This work not only supports biodiversity and ecosystem health but also bolsters Indigenous food sovereignty and cultural heritage. The findings offer practical guidelines for policymakers, conservationists, and Indigenous communities, fostering collaborative efforts to preserve this vital species in the face of climate change and environmental challenges. Summary Conserving native food‐plant species is crucial amid anthropogenic ecosystem disturbances and climate change. In western North America, native Vaccinium spp. (western huckleberries) are vital for sustenance and medicine, historically linking Indigenous communities and European settlers. This review, inspired by Westbank First Nation, synthesizes current knowledge and identifies research gaps concerning the distribution, growth, reproduction, abiotic and biotic stresses, and propagation of V. membranaceum or st̓łqiłəml̓x in Nsyilxcen (black huckleberry), emphasizing its ecological and cultural significance. The distribution and growth of V. membranaceum are shaped by abiotic factors (climate, soil, and fire) and biotic interactions (mutualisms with mycorrhizal fungi, pest and disease pressures). Understanding of how those factors individually and collectively (e.g. through phenology) influence V. membranaceum habitat suitability and berry yield will enhance understanding of the potential for its resilience. Furthermore, the integration of traditional and in vitro propagation techniques offers promising avenues for cultivation and conservation. By highlighting the dynamics shaping V. membranaceum populations, the review emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary research to safeguard this species. Bridging indigenous and contemporary scientific knowledge systems can foster sustainable management practices, ensuring the prosperity of V. membranaceum and the communities and ecosystems dependent on it.