Subalpine. Woodlands. Spring.
Horse Creek Trail, June 7, 2004.

The San Juans have several species of Vaccinium; Vaccinium myrtillus is the most common and is also one of the most common plants throughout the mountains.  It is especially abundant below Spruce where it often carpets the acidic ground.  Unfortunately Vaccinium myrtillus produces few of its tiny, white-to-pink, bell flowers and therefore often has no fruit.  But when the fruit is there, it is luscious.
 

Linnaeus named this species and genus in 1753.  "Vaccinium" is from the Latin for "cows" (as in "vaccine") and "myrtillus" means "myrtle-like".

Subalpine. Woodlands. Spring.
Lizard Head Trail, September 13, 2000.

Fall colors are shades of maroons.