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 skunkweed 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. 
HORSEMIXT. 
(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. 
