[5] Vaccinium myrtilloides grows best in open coniferous woods with dry loose acidic soils; it is also found in forested bogs and rocky areas.

[6][7] It is an important food source for black bears, deer, small mammals, and birds.

This species is listed as endangered in Indiana and Connecticut,[8] as threatened in Iowa and Ohio, and as sensitive in Washington.

[9] Vaccinium myrtilloides is cultivated and grown commercially in Canada and Maine, primarily harvested from managed wild patches.

[13] The Ojibwa make use of the berries, gathering and selling them, eating them fresh, sun drying and canning them for future use.