Gaylussacia baccata (Black Huckleberry)

Gaylussacia baccata (Black Huckleberry) is a low-growing, freely branched, deciduous shrub with stiff and erect stems clad with small, oval, shiny leaves, up to 2 in. long (5 cm). In the fall, the delicate foliage turns orange and crimson. Urn-shaped red to pink flowers, arranged in one-sided racemes, appear in the axils of the leaves in late spring to mid-summer. They attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The blossoms are followed by a profusion of small, edible, purplish-black berries – a delight for birds, wildlife, and humans. They are deliciously spicy and sweet and can be eaten out of hand or used in pies or preserves. A few hours of sunlight each day makes for the best growth and fall color. Black Huckleberry is a common huckleberry found throughout a wide area of eastern North America. It tends to colonize and often forms thickets. Use Black Huckleberry in wildlife gardens, shrub borders, and foundation plantings. The shallow spreading root system helps prevent erosion on slopes and rocky hillsides.

• Grows up to 1-3 ft. tall (30-90 cm) and 4-5 ft. wide (120-150 cm).
• Performs best in partial sun in sandy or rocky, mesic to dry, well-drained, acidic soils. Tolerates full sun but likely prefers diffuse lighting. Drought and dry soil tolerant.
• Great for shrub borders, foundation plantings, or as an informal hedge. Combines well with Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Propagate by seeds. Untreated seeds are slow to germinate.
• Native to eastern North America.