46 BULLETIN 545, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



is comparatively fertile. In 1908 and 1909 an average germination 



of 41.5 and 32.5 per cent was obtained. 



Since skimkweed grows above the range ordinarily grazed by cattle, 



it furnishes only sheep forage. It is eaten ordinarily with about the 



average amount of relish, and at times ravenously. It is best for 



grazing purposes from about July 20 to the last week in August. 



At the latter end of the season the foliage is frequently frostbitten 



and dry. 



' High Huckleberry. 



( Vaccinium membranaceum.) 



High huckleberry is the most valuable grazing species of its family 

 in the region studied. It is a much branched and leafy shrub from 1 

 to 4 feet tall (Plate XLIV), the twigs slightly angled, leaves thin, 

 not shining, short-petioled. The flowers are inconspicuous and soli- 

 tary, and the corolla, usually five-toothed, is greenish or purplish in 

 color. The berry, when mature, is purplish black. It is slightly 

 acid and is highly valued as food. 



High huckleberry is confined to the Transition and Canadian zones, 

 being most abundant in the latter. It is commonly found under 

 yellow pine, fire willow, and lodgepole pine, and accordingly endures 

 a considerable amount of shade. It is characteristic of strongly acid 

 or sour soils, and is rarely, if ever, found on limestone or even neutral 

 soils. 



On the lower elevations the flowers begin to appear about June 1, 

 and by July 1 most of them have expanded. The berry begins to 

 develop dark pigment as early as July 15, and the ripening period 

 continues until about the first week in September, at which time 

 most of the berries are clinging. Since the berries are palatable to 

 both birds and animals, they are almost entirely consumed, and seed 

 distribution is thorough. 



Sheep browse this plant with avidity, and it is grazed from about 

 June 15 to late in the autumn, though it is most palatable early in 

 the season. 



Throughout the Canadian and Hudsonian zones and up to the 

 limits of tree growth another species, known as red huckleberry 

 (Vaccinium scoparium), occurs in even greater abundance than the 

 high huckleberry. As a forage plant, however, it does not compare 

 with the latter, though it is grazed to a limited extent. This species 

 also is confined to acid soils. 



Hc-RSEMINT. 



(Agastache urticifolia. ) 



Horsemint is the most widely distributed representative of the 

 mint family in the Wallowa Mountains, and is of the highest value 

 for grazing. 



